To all my girlfriends on Galentine's Day,

Following in the wise footsteps of the great Leslie Knope, I've decided that of all the days and holidays of the year, Galentine's Day may be the most important. What is it, you ask? Galentine's Day, held on February 13, is a day to honor the great and strong women in our lives. I try to be thankful for you all each and every day, but with our increasingly busy schedules and pace of everyday life, having the proper gratitude for our friendship sometimes goes by the wayside. But this week before Galentine's Day, I want to thank you for everything you do each and every day to make my life the most amazing adventure.

Thank you for all of the everyday moments. The brunches, the lunches and being there to have meals with means more than I may admit. Thank you for being my gym buddy and constant cheerleader; whether we're eating quinoa and salads or mac and cheese, it's never something we have to do alone (and if we're cheating on the newest diet we're trying, it's a judgement-free zone). Thanks for helping me pick out what to wear for the day or for an interview, and telling me whether it looks good or not.

Thank you for all of the weekend night moments. For the hours of girl power anthems we listen to and the hilarious pre-games we have. Thanks for being there for the whole night, from beginning to end, whether we end up laughing all the way home or having a mini-meltdown. And thanks for having my back no matter what we may get ourselves into.

More importantly, thank you for all of the things you have done to help me grow. We've had these incredible memories together and grown as people, but for all my Galentines out there, the most important memory I have of you is the way you've impacted me as a person.

To my mom and sister, my first two Galentines, thank you for being the sounding board, screaming match partners and dance party people I need. To my girlfriends since I was in elementary school or younger, thank you for knowing and loving me my whole life. We have grown separately, but together, and that is one of the most beautiful things you can ask for out of a friendship. To my girlfriends in college, thank you for loving me for who I am in this moment and helping me to grow. We have a long way to go together after our time at school is done, and I'm so glad you came into my life when you did.

There is truly nothing more precious in life than the love of friendship, and having you all as Galentines this year is the most beautiful gift I could ask for. To know that I have the support of strong, independent, beautiful, caring women in my life is such a blessing, and one that I should be thankful for each day. So this Galentine's Day goes out to all of you — thank you for the profound impact you have made on my life, and I can only hope that you feel the same about me.

Happy Galentine's Day to you and yours, from me and mine.