Friends come in all shapes and sizes. There's the Facebook-only friends, who you hide from when you see them at Coles. There's the users, who only pop up when they need something or want to get together so they can spend five hours whinging about their love life. There's also the life-long friends, who you see once in a blue moon but feel like no time has passed when you finally do catch up, as well as the ya-ya-sisterhood/border-line same-sex relationship you have with your very best friend. You're not just friends, you're soul mates!

When I finally took a closer look at my friend garden, I realised it was in need of some serious weeding. It wasn't until after the weeding was done I realised how influential my friendships with other women had been, how much the negative ones had been weighing me down and how important it was for me to foster positive relationships with other women.

I have been thinking a lot about friendship lately. About those friendships that us women have with women. The true, real and dirty friendships.The ones where those that reside in that tight inner circle see us and all of our parts.They see us at our worst. When we have broken down and are lying on the floor without a hope in the world. They know when to allow us to break down. To cry. To let it all out.

And they know when to set us straight. To deliver us some hard truths that only these true friendships are capable of. Delivering truths knowing that the words will not sting but that they will be felt with the best intentions of kindness, love and reality.

And they see us at our best. When our worlds are full of joy.They know us. They know what brings us the absolute, most happiness.

At times they may know us even better than ourselves. These women. The ones that reside in our inner circle.And while sometimes this inner circle alters. Sometime it’s shape grows or shrinks. Sometimes it’s members swap out. That is just life in it’s constant flow.There is a comfort in knowing that this inner circle is there for you – in all of your days. In your best ones. In your worst ones.

This circle has your back. To support. To cheer you on. To offer a warm bed and a hot cup of tea at any time of the night. To answer your call or your text. To send out loving vibes when there is just a sense that they are needed. Words are often not needed. Just a look. Just a feeling.

I feel grateful for this inner circle. These strong women that reside in mine. They lift me up. They help make me who I am today. And tomorrow and everyday. They are a part of me and I am a part of them. This kind of friendship, this kind of love is what makes the world such a beautiful place.