Have I mentioned that 2015 ranks in the top five for thee most stressful years of my adult life. There were so many moments of near crippling self-doubt. There was stress and anxiety the likes of which I have never experienced before. My marriage was a pendulum swing between intense friction and passionate support. My career faced innumerable challenges when my organization and team underwent some widespread restructure. I didn't feel like myself and I often isolated myself from my support group, my squad, my tribe - as they are often lovingly refereed to as.

The first few months of 2016, there was this incredible shift in multiple points of worry. I let go. I looked inward. I sought peace over certainty. Joy over worry. Community over isolation. 2016 would be the year of investing in relationships. Building something deeper. Being vulnerable with my allies and loved ones.



The moment the opportunity presented itself to have a tea party sponsored by Lipton, I knew which ladies I just had to invite and I'm glad I did.

Last Sunday was one of those perfectly timed and much needed moments with my squad. I had a rough morning and I needed their presence, their words, their insights, their wisdom, and their love.



It was the perfect afternoon to break bread, sip tea, and reconnect with some of the wonderful women I have the honor of calling friends.

We talked of love, of life burdens, of self care. We listened to each other and poured kinds words and relevant insights into each other's situations. All while sipping tea.



And what delicious Lipton tea it was.

The kind of herbal tea that was bold and flavorful. The tastes were unexpectedly complex and all my girlfriends gave unsolicited compliments with every sip. Every girlfriend requested to take a few packets home.



This was suppose to be a simple event, but it turned out to be so much more. The tea exquisite, The finger foods my girlie pie Kellie and I made, delicious. The experience of community, an unexpected blessing.

At the end a few of the guys crashed and nearly guzzled our tea while munching on our food.

Finger food heaven

My husband was obsessed with the tea, he made huge pitchers of ice tea five straight days in a row. If you would like to try their new black and herbal teas, here is a link for a coupon! If you haven't already this year, make some time to relax, sip tea, and chat with your community.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.