Let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately: how women show up for each other during challenging times. I mean, it’s such a beautiful, powerful thing, isn’t it? The way women create these spaces—sometimes without even realizing it—where support, understanding, and strength just flow. It’s one of those things that can feel almost instinctive. And honestly, it’s one of the reasons I have so much hope for us, even when things feel hard.
Think about it. When life throws curveballs, where do we often turn first? To the women in our lives. Our friends, our sisters, moms, coworkers—whoever makes up that circle. And the thing is, it’s not just about advice or problem-solving, though that’s definitely part of it. It’s about the emotional connection. The way someone can just say, “I hear you. I see you. You’re not alone in this.” That alone can make the weight you’re carrying feel a little lighter.
There’s something unique about the way women support each other, too. It’s layered. It’s not just one thing. Like, take friendships for example. We talk about “ride-or-die” friendships, but what does that actually look like? For me, it’s been those moments when a friend doesn’t just show up—they stay. They stick with you through the messy parts. You know, the parts you don’t necessarily want to share with the world. They’re there when you’re crying at 2 a.m., or when you need someone to text you random memes because you just can’t handle another heavy conversation. That balance of seriousness and lightness? That’s love. That’s support.
And then there’s the way women rally in bigger, collective ways. I’m talking about how entire communities come together during challenges. You see it during natural disasters, during political movements, during moments when the world just feels like it’s falling apart. Women step up. They organize meal trains, they check in on neighbors, they create fundraisers. And it’s not just the big stuff, either. It’s in the small acts, too. Like, someone notices you’re overwhelmed and just quietly takes something off your plate. Maybe it’s picking up your kids from school or sending you a “thinking of you” message when you didn’t even realize you needed it. It’s these small, thoughtful gestures that build this web of care.
I think one of the reasons women are so good at this is because we’ve often been in each other’s shoes. Not always exactly, of course—everyone’s challenges are different—but there’s this shared understanding that life isn’t always kind. And that shared experience creates empathy. Like, when one woman says, “I’m struggling,” and another says, “I’ve been there,” it’s not just words. It’s a bridge. It’s someone saying, “You don’t have to do this alone. I’ll walk with you.”
And I want to pause here and acknowledge something: not every woman feels like they have that kind of support. I’ve heard from people who feel isolated, who’ve been let down when they reached out. And that’s hard. But I think that’s why it’s so important to talk about this. Because when we know how impactful support can be, we’re more likely to offer it—and to seek it, too. It’s not always easy to ask for help, but when you do, it can open the door for connections you didn’t even know you needed.
Another thing I’ve noticed is how much strength comes from simply being present. Sometimes we feel like we have to fix things for the people we care about. But honestly, some of the most meaningful support I’ve ever received wasn’t about fixing anything. It was about someone just being there. Sitting with me in the uncertainty, the sadness, the frustration. Not rushing to make it better, but just letting me feel what I needed to feel. That’s powerful.
And this extends beyond personal relationships. It’s amazing how women show up for each other professionally, too. Think about mentorship. Women lifting each other up, opening doors, saying, “Hey, you belong here. Let me help you get your foot in the door.” Or even just the way we cheer for each other’s wins. I love seeing women celebrate each other—whether it’s a big promotion or just surviving a tough week. There’s this sense of, “If one of us succeeds, we all succeed.”
One of my favorite examples of support is storytelling. Women sharing their experiences, their lessons, their truths. I think about how much I’ve learned from hearing other women talk about their struggles and how they’ve come through them. It’s not just inspiring—it’s grounding. It reminds you that hard times don’t last forever and that you’re capable of things you might not even realize yet.
And it’s not just the stories of triumph, either. Sometimes it’s the stories that don’t have a neat, happy ending yet. The ones where someone says, “I’m still figuring it out.” That kind of vulnerability creates connection. It’s a reminder that we’re all works in progress, and that’s OK.
So, yeah, when I think about how women support each other during challenging times, I see so much strength, so much love, and so much resilience. It’s this incredible, unstoppable force. And if you’re ever doubting that—if you’re ever feeling like you’re alone in what you’re going through—just look around. Because I promise, there’s someone out there who gets it, who’s ready to hold space for you. And when the time comes, you’ll do the same for someone else. That’s how we keep each other going.