Kelley Spainhour

Today I drew a star on my palm to be my own hype girl. I have incredible life-changing friends that live in another city and my own mom will forever be my biggest cheerleader. My husband is the banks to the wild river of my dreams and he’s my safe harbor, too. And my mother-in-law is a gift! So supportive and encouraging! From deacons (@always4artsy I see you!) to aunties and cousins and former students and coaches to my own children and my own brothers — how did I get so lucky. Thanks be to God.

But sometimes I need an in-person hype girl, you know? Even if I am 38 years old.

I am still working on making friends in our new city, and it’s harder this time. So today I thought I’d give myself a star. Five of them, actually. Why not? I maybe thrived today instead of survived and so that counts for 5.

I woke and made kids’ breakfasts and lunches, packed snacks and offered prayers, did preschool drop off and then worked hard at my job. I did good and focused hard work that matters, I really believe that. Then I nursed a baby and laid her to sleep, managed a nanny and checked in for a flight, and took FOUR KIDS TO THE DENTIST AT ONCE. I got the appointment time wrong by half an hour but thanks be to God for an empathetic hygienist. Then fed kids an early dinner and got them to soccer practice (fields pictured here), plus a thousand other details you know because you’re doing it, too.

You’re doing it, too.

Everyone, all of us, we’re living our lives and it is so hard and it is so good. Draw yourself some stars and keep on. Keep your friends for life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️