Who's in your squad?

Can I be very transparent for a moment? In late December, I spent time and planned out 4 months worth of topics to write about. February was supposed to be all about the different types of relationships in our lives. And we’ll still get there. However, life has been a little up and down since then - nothing major - just the normal winter illnesses, cranky kids (and parents, too, at times!), and a touch of the winter blues as I am 1000% a sunshine and blue skies girl. But today I want to focus on one of the major things that helped me get through the first 6 weeks of 2020. 
My Square Squad. First off, this idea is not my own and I give all the credit to the incredible Brene Brown. Her book Dare to Lead is where I first learned about the idea of having a Square Squad. Let me explain. Take a 1x1 inch square. In that square write the names of the people you consider your closest friends. I’m not talking about the friends you see maybe 2-3 times a year. I'm talking about the friends you can, without hesitating, call at 3:00 am to come over and stay with your oldest child so both you and your husband can take your other child to the ER. The friend who has the relational capacity to have the hard, honest conversation with you when your coping skills have crossed over into an unhealthy coping pattern. The friend who cheers you on when you’re chasing after that big, audacious dream you’ve had for years. 
For me, I have 5 names in my Square Squad. This wasn’t a hard exercise for me because ever since I was a middle school student, I’ve preferred to have a small group of close friends rather than a slew of friends. And I’m also a highly functioning introvert. If you’re an extrovert, this exercise may be harder for you. Regardless if you’re an extrovert or an introvert, I’d encourage you to put some thought into who your 3:00 am phone call would be to. And, since this is February and the month of love, give your Square Squad a text, call, or even a note in the old fashioned mail to thank them and tell them how awesome they are! 
Be well, 
JoEllen