The holidays are the worst when it comes to money. I’m no exception. In fact, I’ve noted in public that I’m terrible with money. Earlier this month I discovered that I was in the hole for quite a bit. It was a budgeting mistake on my part, so I have no excuse for what happened. I was angry with myself more than anything. Then, right before I gave myself a pity party I remembered that I am not alone. I have several friends who are single parents, and they are struggling this season as well. It’s so hard for us all, and we all share the burden. My heart instantly lifted; not because misery loves company. Not at all. I realized that I am blessed beyond measure because they are my friends.

After my divorce, I was a hermit. I refused to go out, much less date, for a long time. Finally, I decided that I had to get out or I would decay. I already had a few strong friends with whom I had lost contact with over the years. I reconnected with them, feeling so guilty that we had lost touch to begin with. Yet when we talked it was if not a day had gone by. Then it was time to get back into the world. At that time I was obsessed with a young actor named Benedict Cumberbatch. His play, Frankenstein, was going to show at a movie theater in downtown Dallas. I gathered up the courage to drive in to see it – alone.

I told myself that I would push myself out of my comfort zone. I would talk more to strangers, be more open to life and what it offered me. This was my first step. While in line I asked two ladies in front of me if I was in the right place. They said yes, and we started talking about how much we loved Benedict (and Martin Freeman) in Sherlock. We decided to sit together to watch the film. We had such a great time that we became instant friends. One lives in Austin so we don’t see much of her, but the other has become one of my dearest and closest friends. My kids adore her. I am so glad she is in our lives.

As the years have passed, I have leaned more and more on my friends. I hope that they know that they can lean on me, and that I am here to help in any way I can. Yes, money problems can be substantial setbacks, but it’s so comforting to know that I am not alone. Riches can’t be counted in terms of dollars but in the love we have for each other. If you feel alone, don’t give up! We have been there. We know, and there is hope. Don’t be afraid to reach out. It’s uncomfortable, I know, but it’s worth it.