In my book, having chocolate is like being with my friends.

I will admit it – I am a chocoholic.  You might not know this about me but I am.  I love the way the piece of chocolate feels when I have my first one just after lunch.  It’s an indulgence that I have with my first cup of coffee (also after lunch — decaf please!).

Now, I would rank being a Mom right up there too (as I’ve written about many times) as one of those things in life that has no equal.  Today I would also add friendship – as another very important part of my life.  Sometimes, we allow our friendships to take a back seat to our kids, our careers, spouses, etc.  However, seeing my friends has that same soothing feeling as that wonderful piece of chocolate.  It makes me feel happy and energized.  Yet, I don’t always make it a priority.

I justify my chocolate addiction because of the studies which say that chocolate contains compounds that can help maintain a healthy heart, good circulation, and reduce blood clotting (great, huh?).  Similarly, a study at Harvard Medical school (must be valid, right?) found that women with friends were less likely to develop physical impairments as they aged.

I know for me personally, whether it’s a few minutes on the phone, a run in at the health club, a nice e-mail shared, lunch/dinner or a cup of coffee, I am left feeling fantastic after these connections with friends!  While I love being a Mom, I have found recently that I really need friend time too.  Now some of you have a spouse or partner where you get some of that and I am glad you do.  However, there is something special about friends, those people where you can talk about anything, love, relationships, finances, parenting and other such high-brow topics!

For me, talking with friends is like that wonderful piece of chocolate – once I finally take the time to make the call, send the email, have the coffee, I am already planning the next get together!  It is that “feel good” addiction, where I just can’t have one piece (or meeting) and move on – I want to do it again (although I really do try to limit myself to ONE piece after lunch!).

In my opinion, being a Mom, having chocolate and being with friends are all incredibly energizing and satisfying.  So, if you need to slow down and take some recharging time, think about doing it with a friend today … and bring along some chocolate!

Have a great Sunday!