The PurposeGirl Podcast Episode 015: The Importance Of Sisterhood

As women we thrive, we flourish, in sisterhood. We need close connection with other women. For centuries women have worked closely with each other and supported each other, we've raised each other's children, it's in our nature. And yet, today, far too many women crave that connection and feel so isolated. We compare ourselves to and compete with other women instead of lifting up other women, and we hide behind computer and phone screens.

But it's natural for women to come together with other women, especially in times of stress. In fact, recent research has shown that when stressed, women secrete oxytocin, known as the "cuddle hormone," which, from an evolutionary biology standpoint, counters the fight-flight response and encourages and allows us to protect our children and to come together with other women for support. This is known as "tend and befriend."

A number of research studies have shown that the more close girlfriends a woman has, the less likely she is to develop certain ailments as she ages, and the more likely she is to have positive outcomes from certain types of cancer.

One of the special things that happens when women come together in sisterhood is that we share our truth, we really open up and share our deepest feelings. And when we share our truth, our sisters hold us and embrace and support us, and we really need this in our lives.

Research is clear that the number one predictor of happiness is having close relationships. So, where is sisterhood in your life? Who are the women you can count on, you can open up to, you can call at 3 in the morning if you need to talk? If you're not sure, then get working on it! Find a women's group that you can join, maybe a MeetUp, ask friends if they know of a women's group in the area, go on a retreat with women… Find some powerful container, a safe space for you to be your true self with other women who will support you.

I've seen time and time again that women who choose to be in sisterhood accelerate their success in so many ways. Having a close group of women who say, "I hear you, I see you, I'm with you, and I believe in you," who hold each other higher – this is incredibly powerful.

Practice being the sister to other women that you want them to be for you. Make it a daily practice to compliment another woman. When we see other women being awesome, get in the habit of letting them inspire us instead of feeling like we need to compete with them. Uplift other women, because as we help other women reach their goals, we all rise higher.

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May you live purposefully, may you love yourself, and may you love life.

Bye for now!