Spending Galentines With the Women You Love Most
There’s something magical that happens when women choose to come together, lift eachother up, celebrate eachother’s successes and support eachother through laughter and love. Female friendships are special and at AHS we truly cherish them, so to celebrate Galentine’s Day this year we asked some of our gals about the female relationships in their lives, who they look up to and how they like to celebrate this fun, female forward day. We love our girls and hope this inspires you to tell your girls you love them no matter what time of year it is.
What brings you to celebrate Galentines Day?
Alexa: It’s nice to take the time to show appreciation for the women in your life. I really value my friendships, especially coming out of the pandemic so it’s great to be able to celebrate that and cherish a different kind of love.
Sara: I love any opportunity to celebrate my wonderful friends. Galentines is such a great way of celebrating with the wonderful women in your life and making sure they know how much they mean to you. Love my gals!
Steph: Over the last couple years I’ve worked hard to focus more on my friendships, so anytime I have the opportunity to be present with a friend, lift her up and celebrate her I will absolutely take it. Also, who doesn’t love an afternoon of friendship, giggling over mimosas and delicious food?!
Nicole: It isn’t often you get to celebrate your friends, so having a day all about acknowledging the humans in your life who show up for you and add value is something special. The thing that brings friends together is that of intention, appreciation and common values which is hard to find and something that should be treasured.
Who is a woman in your life that's had an influence on you and why?
Alexa: My boss Syma has been a great mentor to me, not only professionally but also personally. She’s taught me to live life on my own terms and that it’s ok if things take time.
Sara: There are so many women that have had an influence on my life. There are incredible managers I have had over the years that have showed me that women can be in leadership roles. There are my friends who inspire me and allow me to be just the person I am without judgement. And of course there are amazing family members who have showed me how to love and what is really important in life. Special shout out to my mom who is one of the strongest people I know and both of my grandmothers who are no longer here but went through so much and were always pillars of strength for their families.
Steph: Oh man! So many! My mom has always been a source of inspiration for me my entire life. I’ve always appreciated her willingness to be vulnerable, real and honest about life and that’s something that I’ve always tried to emulate as I’ve grown up. My mom had the bravery to pivot in her career when I was growing up and spent months at a time studying in a different province. While this was difficult, she made sure that in addition to my dad, while she was away I had strong female figures I could talk to and spend time with when I needed support from a mother figure. I’m grateful for all of these women because they have shaped who I am today.
Nicole: There are so many women in my life that have taught me different lessons and made me who I am today. I would be remise if I didn’t mention my mom who above all else has taught me what it means to be kind, be gentle and to choose grace. My grandma has taught me what it means to be consistent, dedicated, and ever caring. My many aunts on both sides have taught me what it means to be fearless, confident, and to not limit myself. My cousins have shown me what it means to follow your heart and to challenge myself to do new things, and my friends…My incredible friends have taught me what it means to be honest, authentic, and empowered. Let’s just say I’m one lucky lady.
How do you like to show your love to the women in your life?
Alexa: I’m a big believer in building support systems between women. I hope that my friends feel comfortable coming to me for help and support without judgment and I know that they will have my back as well.
Sara: I think this differs depending on the woman. I love to show love in the way that I believe will be most appreciated. For my mom as an example it's really about spending quality time together be that a simple thing like watching a movie together at home or a more extravagant experience like a spa day. For some of my friends it could be as simple as sending a message or sharing something on social media that made me think of them. My preference is always to show love through spending time with them. And ALWAYS ensuring they know how ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE PEOPLE THEY ARE!!!
Steph: I think in friendships it’s important to go out of your way to make someone feel loved and supported. It can be as simple as sending a quick text message so that they know you’re here for them if they need anything. In friendship, it’s a two way street. I’m there for them and I know they’ll be there for me in return!
Nicole: I truly think it’s all about consistency. Although a dedicated day to celebrate the women in your life is magical, it’s important to show up and be there for the little things too. The moments that are easy, the moments that are hard and everything in between. Sometimes it means the world just to sit in the same room. I’ll never take that for granted again.
Want to see more Toronto highlights? Check out our Community section and our Instagram to stay in the know.
