The always wise and bad ass Hillary Clinton is famous not only for her power pantsuits and her political maven skills, but also for the quote “It takes a village.” Of course she was referencing the need for parents to have a village to help them in raising a child, but I think we all need a village.

We all need people who we can be our complete selves with, we can call at any time, we can say anything to, etc and they accept us just as we are. I’ve always known the importance of close friends, but the last 2 years have shown me how essential having a village really is. I have an amazing village of people who show up, offer support, love, wisdom, understanding, etc and accept me just as I am. In fact, my village accepts me and the complicated facets of my chronic illness much more than I myself am able to right now. These people have seen me at my worst… so dizzy I needed help to walk, serious moments of self doubt and grief, and ugly crying with snot running down my face. I unfortunately have two modes of crying it’s either light tears coming down my face or full on ugly crying. I am by no means a cute crier.

My village has seen it all and they are still here and never see me as anything other than Sara. It is priceless gift to have people that are safe spaces where you can be completely seen and still so very loved. I tell them all the time how grateful I am for them, but I don’t think thank you or grateful is really enough. I know there is no way I would have made it this far in this journey without my village. I know that I am a kinder, more open, more vulnerable person because of them. I know that I am learning to be kinder and more loving to myself because of the kindness and love they have shown me.

We aren’t meant to go through life alone and I firmly believe we all need a village. Contrary to popular belief, your village doesn’t have to be huge. I think when creating a village quality matters far more than quantity. Your village may be 1 person, 3 people, or more. Whoever in your life makes you feel completely seen, loved, and safe, that person or persons are your village.