The Power of Sisterhood: Why Women Need to Be Connected to Other Women
Listen, life can be a lot. Whether you’re navigating a new job, diving headfirst into motherhood, grieving a family loss, stepping into a marriage (or out of one), or living that travel dream, there’s one thing we all need: connection. And I’m not talking about doom-scrolling through social media. I’m talking about REAL connection with other women. It’s powerful, it’s essential, and there is so much science that backs it up.
The Science Behind Our Need to Connect
Ladies, it’s in our biology. We aren’t just “people-persons” by chance! Women’s brains are literally wired to thrive in social connection. Ever heard of the “tend-and-befriend” response? Probably not, so I’ll tell you anyways… It’s how we handle stress; when things go sideways, we seek out social support. Men might go into “fight-or-flight” mode, but women, we reach out. And guess what? That’s not a weakness. It’s a superpower.
Research shows that when women bond (whether it’s with our sisters, friends, or moms) we release oxytocin, otherwise known as the “feel-good” hormone. This magical little chemical reduces stress and helps us feel supported and safe. It literally helps us heal both emotionally and physically. So yeah, connection isn’t just about chatting over coffee or venting about work. It’s about survival, resilience, and finding peace in the chaos of life.
Getting Connected: Start by Showing Up
We all know that getting connected these days can feel like an uphill battle. Between busy schedules, being overwhelmed with responsibilities, and the pressure to “do all the things,” it’s hard to make time for deep, authentic connections. So, where do you start?
Try showing up! Whether it’s a local women's group, a book club, or a virtual meet-up. There are so many spaces where women are gathering to connect, share experiences, and offer support. Even if you’re not feeling super social, just putting yourself in the right space is half the battle. Look for community-based groups on social media, meet-up platforms, or even event listings in your area. And don’t be afraid to reach out and make the first move - sometimes the hardest part is simply saying, "Hey, I could use some sisterhood."
Life Transitions: Why Connection is Everything
Whether you're embracing the wild ride of motherhood or trying to find yourself after a family loss, connection with other women is like a lifeline. The research doesn’t lie, because studies show that women who have a strong social network during major life changes (like childbirth, marriage, or divorce) are more likely to bounce back and grow from those experiences. It’s the tribe that carries you through.
Think about the day you brought your baby home: did you feel overwhelmed, lost, or like you had no idea what you were doing? Now think about those moments you shared with other women who “got it.” Whether it was a chat with your own mom, your bestie, or a fellow mom, that connection made all the difference. Science says it, too: women with strong social connections have lower stress, more confidence, and are generally happier as they navigate life’s challenges.
Getting Connected: Reach Out When You’re Struggling
Sometimes life feels too heavy, and reaching out feels like the hardest thing in the world. But here’s the truth: when we’re going through a tough transition (whether it’s a new job, the birth of a child, or dealing with grief) that’s exactly when we need to reach out the most. Look for support groups (in-person or online) related to your experience. There’s strength in knowing you’re not alone in what you’re going through. Whether it’s a women’s group for new moms or a grief support community, reaching out helps you realize there’s no need to carry the weight on your own.
Travel, Marriage, and Divorce: The Importance of the Tribe
Life's transitions often extend beyond the familiar. Think of the empowerment that comes with traveling the world or navigating the complexities of a marriage or divorce. Traveling, particularly for women, can be an experience of self-discovery and freedom. However, being away from your core support system can be a challenge. That’s where women’s circles come in. Studies show that women who traveled with close friends or stayed connected to their support networks during solo adventures are less likely to feel lonely or overwhelmed. You can conquer the world with your girls by your side, literally.
Similarly, the experience of getting married or divorced can be life-altering, and it often leaves women in need of guidance, solidarity, and shared wisdom. A paper in Family Relations underscores the importance of social networks during times of marital change. Women who have close relationships with other women during their marriage or after a divorce report better emotional health and higher life satisfaction. Whether it’s support during the honeymoon phase of marriage or when navigating the emotional turbulence of a breakup, the women in our lives provide an anchor during these transformative moments.
Getting Connected: Take That Trip, Together
We all dream of traveling, but why not turn those dreams into reality with your girls? Find a group of women who share your passion for adventure. Whether it’s a retreat with The Unbroken Woman, a weekend getaway, or a backpacking trip across Europe, traveling together creates memories and solidifies bonds in ways nothing else can. The shared experiences of exploring new places and learning about different cultures only bring you closer.
Family Loss: Healing Through Connection
Grieving a family loss can feel like an emotional maze. But research shows that women who grieve with a support system, especially other women, tend to heal faster. When you’ve lost someone, there’s nothing like the comfort of a sisterhood that understands the depth of your pain and offers the space to grieve. A study in Death Studies found that women who connect with others during grief experience less complicated grief and emotional distress. When women come together to grieve, they help heal each other, piece by piece.
Getting Connected: Share Your Grief
Grief can isolate you like nothing else. But the truth is, the more you share, the more you heal. Whether it’s talking about your loved one to a friend, joining a grief support group, or even just checking in with someone who’s been through it too, sharing your pain is the first step toward healing. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help. When you do, you’ll find that the connection with other women who have walked a similar path can be incredibly healing.
So, Here’s the Real Talk
Life is so, so, so messy. It’s full of transitions, losses, wins, and new beginnings. But no matter what chapter you’re in, remember this: You are never alone. We are all in this together. From motherhood to marriage to navigating the pain of loss, we need each other. Our brains are different than the men, yes… But that’s what makes our connections so powerful. We have this ability to deeply understand and support one another in ways that nobody else can. We get each other.
So let’s keep connecting. Let’s keep building that sisterhood. It’s time to stop doing it all alone. Your nervous system deserves the goodness and peace that only a tribe of women can provide. Whether it’s a simple coffee date or a group therapy session, these connections are the heartbeats that keep us alive, thriving, and resilient. Your sisterhood is waiting for you, my friend.
It’s time to let the women around you help you become the best version of yourself. Because together, we’re unstoppable. And that? That’s the shit.
Until next time,