Today, after my daughter's first dance class of her little life, I am shopping with "The Shoe Coven." These are 4 girlfriends (one of which is my super excellent aunt). These women also happen to be prominent members of the mental health community (the supply side, not the demand side). I leave our shoe shopping sessions feeling incredibly well adjusted. Shoes, therapy, what's not to like? Research indicates people with 5 or more close personal friendships are happier. I have mentioned this before. Whether it's personal or professional, surrounding yourself with quality supporters is probably the most important thing you can do (see earlier post on mentors http://hotmommasproject.blogspot.com/2008/09/mentoring-leads-to-success.html).