Today is Grenadian Independence Day (which doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the above title, but stay with me), and it has made me nostalgic and wistful for the fun days with my Grenadian friends from grad school. It still works with my Friendship February theme, so here goes.

Debbie, Helyne, and me at our friend’s wedding

I went to grad school in Lubbock, Texas, which had its merits but was also a far cry from the metropolitan life I was used to living. Plus, I was a nontraditional student, having left a full time job in administration to return for my doctorate. I felt pretty isolated and alone at first but was saved by the smiling faces of these two. They brought me into their circle, made me an honorary Grenadian, and helped me adjust to my new life as a full time grad student. Together, we foraged for all the free food, stayed stylish with $5 buys at Ross and TJ Maxx, and found time to study in there somewhere. Luckily Helyne and I still present at conferences together here and there, but I miss seeing both of them on a daily basis.

My other friend block in Lubbock (which eventually merged with my Grenadian group) was a group of women I met via a book club gone rogue. We actually did read books (sometimes), but we also got together for potlucks and costume parties–lots of costume parties. The picture to the left was from our prom themed party. It actually took place on prom night in Lubbock. We went to dinner dressed like this and ended the night dancing in a friend’s backyard. Luckily one of our friends was a DJ.

Ah, happy memories. Grad school, much like first year teaching (or any year teaching, for that matter), can be daunting, exhausting, and demanding at times. There are moments when you think that you just can’t take time away from your work, but it’s important to schedule some fun time, too. Set it as a weekly “meeting” if you have to. It’s nice to have a group of friends you can count on to give you some respite, some laughs, and much needed support. Make time for your friends. Put fun on your to do list. Laugh and love.

What kind of high-achiever are you? Take the quiz to find out!

High Achievers can be broken down into different archetypes, each with their own strengths and vulnerabilities. Find out your High Achiever archetype and which coaching program might be the most beneficial for you!

Recent Posts

How to stop rumination

How to stop rumination

Are you banging your head against a metal pole, dwelling on the one mistake in an otherwise good moment? Maybe it’s time to spend your energy in a way that’s helpful. Read on for some tips for ...

Reframing Surrender

Reframing Surrender

Surrender comes from the Anglo Norman French roots for "to give back over."  Of course, if we look at it through the lens of control and dominance, then we would assume that what we give back ...

Unlocking the power of anger: Empowering yourself with sacred rage

Unlocking the power of anger: Empowering yourself with sacred rage

When I first introduced the concept of sacred rage, I was met with silence and deer in the headlight looks. My heart pounded--OH NO, I thought. I've just unleashed Pandora's Box (another ...

reWilding: A “Campfire” space of belonging

reWilding: A “Campfire” space of belonging

A gathering place for people who have completed my Wise & Wild program. Here you'll gather in a private online community for discussion, journaling, monthly office hours, and other bonus goodies ...

Wise and Wild

Wise and Wild

In this self-paced course, you'll learn ways to reframe the midlife crisis as a rewilding. You're being called to reconnect with the Wise and Wild Woman within--to find out what she has to tell ...

How “Should” Keeps You Overwhelmed (and what to do about it)

How “Should” Keeps You Overwhelmed (and what to do about it)

The problem with shoulds is that they impose restrictive rules and disappointment on ourselves. We imply that something is inherently wrong with ourselves, and applying that shame can lead to ...

Shadow Work from the Ground(hog) Up

Shadow Work from the Ground(hog) Up

In this imaginative event, Gertie the Groundhog will take you deep into her burrow to teach you how she handles seeing her own shadow. Like Phil, she also dives down when she sees her shadow, ...

What can The Nutcracker teach me about Shadow Work

What can The Nutcracker teach me about Shadow Work

Seeing The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition of mine, ever since I was a little girl. I was even fortunate enough to play a few roles in childhood and adulthood (a soldier, a Ginger Child, and ...