The holidays are meant to be joyful—but for many of us, they can also be complicated and STRESSFUL! This episode builds upon last week's conversation about why the holidays can feel especially hard and offers five simple, practical tips to help you navigate holiday gatherings with more ease—especially when you’re being hosted. Whether you’re staying with family or attending a themed party you’re not quite sure about, these ideas are meant to help you protect your relationships and your peace. In this episode, we talk about: - The importance of honoring arrival times, departure times, and expectations - How dress codes (yes, even themed ones) can be a quiet way to show respect - Navigating dietary needs without adding stress for yourself or your host - How "make yourself at home" doesn't EXACTLY mean "make yourself at home" - Simple ways to give—and receive—more grace during the holiday season - The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is a little effort, a little flexibility, and a lot of grace.Listen, leave a review, and share with others this holiday season!STAY CONNECTED BETWEEN EPISODES:Facebook: The Heart of Friendship Facebook GroupEmail: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.comWebsite: www.ceceliacurtis.com

In this episode of The Heart of Friendship, Cecelia Curtis sits down with licensed therapist Cynthia Weary for an honest and heartfelt conversation about why the holidays feel heavy for so many women—and how we can better support ourselves and each other. Cynthia shares her powerful personal story, including loss, grief, divorce, and healing, and explains how those lived experiences shaped her calling to serve others through mental health work and faith. Together, Cecelia and Cynthia explore the emotional realities women face during the holidays, including grief, loneliness, family tension, and the pressure to “hold it all together.” If the holidays feel hard this year, please remember you're not alone. And, this episode is for you—and for anyone who wants to show up better for the women they love.

In this eye-opening episode of The Heart of Friendship, Cecelia sits down with guest Dana Mosley for an honest conversation about the real, often-unspoken reasons so many women struggle to make and keep friends in adulthood. Together, they unpack the emotional and relational patterns that quietly shape our friendships — often without us realizing it. They talk about: - The unhealed pain many women carry that blocks true connection - Why some women seem unapproachable - How insecurity shows up in adult friendships - Navigating needy or clingy friends with compassion and healthy boundaries They also cover: - The myth that everyone already has a friend group - Whether or not you really need a best friend to feel supported If you’ve ever wondered why adult friendship feels harder than it should, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical insight to help you build the deeper connections you’re craving. Connect With Cecelia Join the Facebook Group!Join the Email List!Visit the Website!Email Cecelia: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com

Celebrating 100 Episodes! 🎉 Today, Cecelia Curtis celebrates 100 episodes of The Heart of Friendship and thanks you, the listeners, for being part of this journey! 100 Episodes Giveaway To celebrate, there are TWO (2) $50 Amazon gift cards are up for grabs! How to enter: Listen to this episode Leave a new podcast review Send a screenshot of your review to Cecelia via Facebook, Instagram, or email (ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com) Deadline: Sunday, December 14th at 11:59 PM PT. Winners announced the week of December 15th. Links & Info Join the The Heart of Friendship Insider Email List Email Cecelia: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com "BE A GOOD FRIEND!"

After a beautiful Thanksgiving break filled with family, joy, and quality time with her girls in Napa, Cecelia checks in to share a moment of gratitude, presence, and rest. From brunch with her friends to a ladies-only tasting room, a turkey trot, hosting Thanksgiving dinner, and kicking off the Christmas season, she soaked in every moment of connection. And now? She’s gearing up for something BIG: 🎉 Episode 100 airs next week! It's a major milestone—and Cecelia has something special planned. Make sure you’re here for it! 🌸 You're Invited: The Heart of Friendship Virtual Workshop If you’ve been wanting deeper friendships, a stronger circle of women, or more confidence in building adult friendships… this workshop is for you. Happening Tuesday, December 9, this free virtual meetup is perfect for women who want to build deeper, more meaningful connections with other women. It's for women who are feeling a bit lonely and disconnected, women who are too busy for friends, women who don't get out often because they're SAHMs, caring for an aging parent, or working from home.Whatever the case, if you wish it were just a bit easier to make friends, this workshop is for YOU!Cecelia will teach a five-step plan to help you move your friendships in the right direction—with connection, clarity, and confidence.Plus: a small group feel, great conversation, encouragement, and even door prizes. 👉 Spots are limited — REGISTER NOW!

This week on The Friendship Tour, I'm bringing back one of the most-loved conversations from last year—an episode filled with warmth, wisdom, and the kind of gentle encouragement we all need as we move through the holiday season. I’m joined by my mother-in-law, Alberta Curtis Minters, a woman whose life is rooted in gratitude, grace, and quiet strength. Her perspective on thankfulness isn’t performative or seasonal—it’s lived. And it has shaped her relationships, her resilience, and the way she loves people. In this replay, we talk about: 💛 How choosing gratitude shapes the way we show up in friendships🙏 Why a thankful heart can soften hard seasons and hard conversations💬 The small, simple practices that make gratitude feel natural—not forced🌿 How women can use thankfulness to nurture deeper, healthier relationships👩‍❤️‍👩 Our own dynamic as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law If you’re craving more peace, more joy, and more presence in your friendships, this episode will bless you. ✨ Join the Heart of Friendship Workshop Want to cultivate deeper, more meaningful friendships in your own life?Sign up for The Heart of Friendship Meetup & Workshop, a free live experience designed to help women build healthier connections—with clarity, confidence, and grace. 👉 Sign up here.

Female Friendship Made Easier!In today’s episode, Cecelia announces a brand-new Heart of Friendship Meetup & Community-Building Workshop—designed just for ladies who want real friendships and deeper connection.If you’ve been wanting to make new friends, deepen your existing relationships, build your own sisterhood, or just a feel a bit more connected in your own community, this workshop is for you.Workshop DetailsDate / Time: Tuesday, December 9th @ 10am PST / 1pm ESTWhere: Virtual Meeting Room (shared with registered ladies only)Duration: About 60 minutesWho It’s For: Women looking for friendship, community, and connection What You’ll Learn: 5 practical steps to help you build meaningful friendshipsCost: FREE!Group Size: Small + Intimate (spots are limited!)👉 Register for The Heart of Friendship Workshop here.**SORRY, GENTLEMEN! This one is just for the ladies.**

The holiday season is almost here! For many, it’s a time of love, laughter, and connection—but for others, it can feel lonely, especially if you’re away from friends or family. In this replay episode, Cecelia shares practical friendship advice and ideas for nurturing meaningful connections during the holidays, whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or spending time on your own. You’ll learn strategies for: Strengthening adult friendships by reaching out and serving others Creating your own holiday traditions and celebrations, even if you’re away from family Using travel or new experiences to connect with others and expand your community Spreading joy and connection in your local community If you’re wondering how to make friends as an adult or looking for tips on cultivating female friendships this holiday season, this episode is full of encouragement, inspiration, and practical ideas. Even if you have friends and family nearby, these tips will help you deepen your relationships and share a little extra love with those around you. 🎧 Tune in now and discover ways to make this holiday season meaningful, connected, and full of friendship.

In this episode of The Heart of Friendship, Cecelia Curtis explores why female friendships and community are essential for a joyful, meaningful life. Drawing from the Bible, philosophy, sociology, and even Winnie the Pooh, Cecelia makes the case that humans were designed for connection—and true friendships help us grow, support one another, and navigate life’s ups and downs. You’ll hear insights from: The Bible: In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” Philosophy: Thomas Aquinas believed friendship is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Sociology: Emile Durkheim taught that community is essential for mental health, morality, and purpose. Pop culture & storybooks: Even Winnie the Pooh teaches us about the joy and sweetness of true friendship. Cecelia also shares practical advice on how to deepen your friendships, meet new people, and create a supportive community around you—because friendship isn’t just about fun; it’s about growth, encouragement, and connection. Whether you’re looking for friendship advice, ways to build community, or inspiration to nurture your current relationships, this episode is for you. Action Step:This week, reach out to a friend, join a community group, or try something new to deepen your connections. Friendship starts with showing up. Stay Connected:Join the Facebook CommunityGet on The Heart of Friendship Email ListVisit the Website!

We’ve all had those moments — someone says something that rubs us the wrong way, and before we know it, our petty side makes an appearance. In this honest episode, Cecelia H. Curtis, Christian Friendship Coach and host of The Heart of Friendship, shares one of her own petty moments (yes, it involves a customer service call gone wrong) and what she learned about herself, emotional maturity, and pettiness itself. If you’ve ever caught yourself being a little petty in your friendships or relationships, this episode is for you. Cecelia shares five practical tips to help you stop being petty and build stronger, healthier connections. You’ll learn how to: ✨ Recognize when you’re being petty (and why) ✨ Pause before reacting ✨ Practice empathy and compassion ✨ Focus on what really matters in your friendships ✨ Choose growth and grace over pride and ego This lighthearted but meaningful episode reminds us that healthier relationships and stronger female friendships start with self-awareness, humility, and heart. ☕ Grab your favorite drink and tune in for a funny, faith-inspired reminder that we all have petty moments — but we can learn from them and grow into better women and  friends.💖 Connect with Cecelia: Join the conversation and keep growing in friendship! 👉 Facebook Community: The Heart of Friendship Community 👉 Newsletter: Sign up for weekly encouragement + updates 👉 Website: www.ceceliahcurtis.com

Hi Ladies! Come hang out with us! You’re officially invited to join The Heart of Friendship Book Club, which is meeting soon! We’re reading The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett — and the meeting won’t be the same without you. So, grab your book and come join the conversation! You can let me know you’re coming by emailing me at ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com. Just send a quick message that says, “I’m coming to the Book Club!” I’ll take care of the rest. Reminder: This virtual meeting is just for ladies — a beautiful space to connect, laugh, and talk about friendship, identity, and life through the pages of great books. And while you’re at it, come join our growing community on Facebook! It’s a welcoming place for women who care about female friendship, adult friendship, and how to make and keep great friends. 💬 Join the Facebook Community: The Heart of Friendship Community  💌 Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com🌐 Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com

Welcome to a very special episode of The Heart of Friendship (formerly known as The Friendship Tour)! In this episode, host Cecelia H. Curtis, a Christian Friendship Coach, wife of 22 years, and boy mom of three, shares the heartfelt story behind the podcast rebrand and what this new start with the same heart means for listeners. Originally launched as The Friendship Tour, this podcast began as Cecelia’s personal journey to reconnect with friends, mentors, and loved ones after over 20 years as a military spouse. Along the way, it evolved into a global space for women learning how to make friends, navigate adult friendships, and strengthen female friendships through faith, love, and intentional connection. In this episode, Cecelia reflects on: The reunions and real-life stories that inspired The Friendship Tour How the podcast grew to include experts, authors, and everyday women sharing tips on making and keeping friends Why the new name, The Heart of Friendship, better reflects the focus on matters of the heart: forgiveness, thoughtfulness, prayer, loyalty, and love Whether you’re longing for deeper friendships, rebuilding your social circle, or simply curious about the journey from The Friendship Tour to The Heart of Friendship, this episode reminds you that every season of connection starts with the heart — and that you’re not alone on your friendship journey. ☕ Grab your favorite drink and listen in as Cecelia shares how The Heart of Friendship podcast continues to explore adult friendships, female friendships, and the joy of meaningful community. Connect with Cecelia: 🌐 www.ceceliacurtis.com 💌 Join the newsletter for friendship tips, book club updates, and exclusive content 👭 Visit the Facebook community for daily conversations about friendship along with a bit of faith, humor, and lots of connection with other women

🎙️ Trailer: Welcome to The Heart of Friendship Podcast (Formerly The Friendship Tour) Welcome to The Heart of Friendship, the podcast for women who want to understand how to make friends, strengthen adult friendships, and nurture female friendships that truly last. Hosted by Cecelia Curtis, a Christian Friendship Coach, wife of 22 years, and boy mom of three, this top 2% global-ranked podcast helps women like you make friends, keep friends, and be better friends—no matter what season of life you’re in. If you’ve ever asked yourself things like: “Why is it so hard to make friends as an adult?” “Why do I keep getting ghosted or hurt in friendships?” “How do I find my people?” …then you’re in exactly the right place. Each week, Cecelia shares real-life stories, faith-based insights, and practical tools to help you build and nurture the female friendships your heart craves. Whether you’re starting over in a new city, recovering from friendship heartbreak, or simply longing for deeper adult connections, this podcast is your reminder that you don’t have to do life alone. ☕ Grab your favorite drink, pop in your earbuds, and let’s talk about friendship—here on The Heart of Friendship Podcast. ✨ What to Expect: Real stories about friendship wins and challenges Practical tips for making and keeping friends Faith-based encouragement for your journey Honest conversations about what it really takes to build community Formerly known as: The Friendship Tour Podcast

In this heartfelt and full-circle episode of The Friendship Tour, host Cecelia Curtis welcomes her former colleague, Josie Cordova — the very woman who inspired The Friendship Tour podcast. Hear how a chance reunion at a grocery store in England sparked nearly two years of reconnection, reflection, and meaningful conversations about friendship. This story is proof that one encounter can change the course of your life. Listen in as Cecelia and Josie open up about: - The insecurities and mistakes that sometimes keep women apart - The importance of owning your missteps, offering grace, and forgiving others - How a single encounter inspired a global podcast, two years of self-discovery, and so much joy - Tips on keeping long-distance friendships strong - What’s next for The Friendship Tour podcast This isn’t just another conversation — it’s a celebration of where The Friendship Tour started and a quick look at where it’s headed. It’s also a reminder that one person and one encounter have the power to shape who we are and where we’re headed. 💛 This is one episode you don’t want to miss.After the episode, please let me know some of YOUR favorite moments from The Friendship Tour podcast. You can share them in the Facebook community or however you prefer to connect with me. As always, please be a good friend. Connect with Cecelia: 👉 Join the Facebook Community 🌐 Visit www.ceceliacurtis.com 📬 Join the email list for updates, friendship insights, and more

Do successful women have a harder time building and maintaining meaningful friendships? In this episode of The Friendship Tour, Cecelia sits down with Dr. Anokhi Kapasi, host of the Achieve Your Ambitious Mom Life podcast (formerly Solve for Mom), to talk about the unique friendship challenges that come with success, ambition, and modern womanhood. Together, Cecelia and Dr. Kapasi unpack how perfectionism, control, and fear of failure can quietly show up in friendships — and why learning to release those patterns leads to more grace, honesty, and joy in our relationships. They also discuss the reality of mom friendships — what makes them meaningful, and how to navigate them with compassion and realistic expectations. You’ll hear insights on: ✨ Why successful women sometimes struggle with vulnerability and connection ✨ How perfectionism and control impact friendship dynamics ✨ Releasing fear of failure and embracing imperfection in relationships ✨ Showing yourself and your friends more grace in every season Dr. Kapasi reminds us that success and sisterhood can beautifully coexist — if we’re willing to let go of perfection and lead with authenticity. Learn more about Dr. Anokhi Kapasi and her work at www.solveformom.com, and tune in to her podcast, Achieve Your Ambitious Mom Life. 👉 Stay Connected with Cecelia: 💙 Join the Friendship Tour Facebook Community 🌐 Visit www.ceceliacurtis.com ✉️ Sign up for the insider newsletter for updates and encouragement  

Conflict is normal — even in the healthiest female friendships. But how you handle it can determine whether your bond deepens or slowly fades away. In this episode of The Friendship Tour, Cecelia sits down with Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Ashley Cook, to discuss conflict — why it happens, why we avoid it, and how to navigate it with grace. Ashley walks through the five styles of conflict resolution — avoidance, defeating, compromise, accommodating, and collaboration — and shares why collaboration is often the healthiest approach, though each style has its place. Together, they explore:💬 Why conflict is both normal and necessary in friendships🪞 How self-awareness, emotional regulation, and communication shape your reactions🚧 Why unresolved conflict keeps relationships surface-level🧠 When ongoing struggles with conflict might signal it’s time for therapy or deeper support💖 How learning to navigate disagreements can actually deepen connection and build trust If you’ve ever worried that a fight might end a friendship, this episode will help you see conflict in a new light — not as the end, but as a doorway to growth and stronger relationships.

Why Is It So Hard to Make Friends as an Adult? 4 Reasons We Struggle with Friendship Why is it so hard to make friends as an adult? You’re not alone in wondering! In this episode, host Cecelia Curtis, a Christian friendship coach, wife, boy mom, and all-around friendship encourager, breaks down four key reasons adult friendships can feel so complicated — and what to do about it. Cecelia shares why making and keeping friends as grown women requires more intentionality than ever before, exploring topics like: Fewer natural opportunities to meet new people once school and early life routines end.Time constraints — because careers, kids, and commitments leave little space for connection.Greater selectivity — how knowing yourself better can sometimes make friendship harder.Fear of vulnerability — why opening up feels risky, but it’s the key to meaningful connection. This heartfelt, faith-filled episode reminds you that if you’re struggling to make or keep friends, you’re not the only one. Adult friendship isn’t impossible — it just takes intention, patience, and a little courage. 👉 Tune in to learn practical friendship advice, faith-based encouragement, and real talk about what’s holding many women back from the friendships they truly want. Let’s Stay Connected: Join the conversation in the Facebook Community – where women connect, laugh, and grow in friendship together. Sign up for The Friendship Tour Insider Email List for weekly encouragement and updates. Visit the website for more information about the podcast and friendship coaching.

In today’s episode, I invite you to slow down and show gratitude for the people who've been showing up for you — the friend, coworker, or acquaintance who prays for you, listens to you, checks in, or just makes you laugh. Reaffirming is about nurturing what’s already good. It’s a reminder that friendship doesn’t always need fixing or finding — sometimes it just needs watering. Think of one current relationship that feels good and right. Then, do something to affirm that friendship today: 1. Send a voice note or text saying how much you appreciate her. 2. Write a short note or card. 3. Plan a coffee date, walk, or prayer call. It doesn’t have to be fancy — it just has to be genuine. 💡 Friendship Takeaway A friendship reset isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.When you reflect, reconnect, and reaffirm — you’re taking steps toward more intentional, joy-filled relationships. 🌸 What’s Next? 👭 Join the Facebook community💌 Get on the email list for updates and friendship inspiration🌐 Visit the website for coaching, podcast episodes, and other resources

Welcome to Day 2 of The Friendship Reset Challenge. Today’s focus is Reconnect — taking intentional action to reconnect with an old friend. Whether you send a text, make a quick call, or reach out to someone who’s been on your heart, this small act can make a big difference. It might lead to a rekindled friendship, or it might simply be a sweet moment of connection — either way, it’s progress. 💡 Friendship tip: Don’t overthink it. Scroll through your phone, trust your gut, and reach out to the person who comes to mind. The goal is not perfection — it’s effort, authenticity, and heart. Let me know how the challenge is going for you! ✨ Join the Facebook community 💌 Reply to one of my community emails. Subscribe here. 🌐 Learn more about friendship coaching and the podcast at www.ceceliacurtis.com Let’s put friendship into action — one small reconnection at a time."BE A GOOD FRIEND!"

Welcome to Day 1 of the Friendship Reset Challenge! Today is all about reflection. Before you can build stronger adult friendships or make new friends, you need clarity. In this episode, we’ll pause to ask three simple, but powerful questions:✨ Which friendships feel life-giving?✨ Which ones feel draining?✨ What do I need more of—and less of—from the people around me? This reflection step is about noticing what’s really happening in your female friendships so you can move forward with intention. If you’ve been wondering how to reset your friendships or need practical friendship advice, this episode is your starting point. Join me for Day 1 of the Friendship Reset Challenge: Reflect. 👉 Stay connected: Facebook Group Email List Instagram Website