I have the most awesome friends in the universe. My girls are supportive, loving and they are my sisters in heart and spirit. Much of my success in life is because of these women. They are my support network. They have been with me through the worst times in my life and they have shared the best right by my side. Our children have grown up together. Men have come and gone but these women have stuck by me.

When I was making my way through college as an unmarried young mother, I had to ask for help and humbly receive it so I could accomplish my goals. The people that helped me never expected anything in return. They did it out of love. So, in return, I helped others who were in need. The “pay it forward” concept.

Many times we feel that we need to do things by ourselves for it to “count”. Pride or shame prevents us from asking for help from those around us. I have found that people are really very willing to help you out if you need a hand. Most people want you to succeed. I like to believe those that don’t are on the fringe. Reach out to those around you. Build your support networks. You can do it through your work, school, church, neighbors – even online communities. There are awesome support networks online. Check out other mom blogs, take a gander at the links I have in my blogroll. You are not alone in the universe.

Maya Angelou said it best in her poem “Alone”

Lying, thinking
Last night
How to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty
And bread loaf is not stone
I came up with one thing
And I don’t believe I’m wrong
That nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.

There are some millionaires
With money they can’t use
Their wives run round like banshees
Their children sing the blues
They’ve got expensive doctors
To cure their hearts of stone.
But nobody
No, nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Now if you listen closely
I’ll tell you what I know
Storm clouds are gathering
The wind is gonna blow
The race of man is suffering
And I can hear the moan,
‘Cause nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.