I was that girl in high school who loved going on retreats. That love for retreats carried over into my college education. One of my favorite ice breakers - to this day - is the human knot. Which recently got me thinking. Why is it that I like the human knot? Maybe because it's a fun problem solver, maybe because it gets a group of people laughing, or maybe it's something more. Maybe it stands for something... but what?

Think about it. A group of people, all with one common problem and one common purpose - we're all stuck, trying to get unstuck. No one person can do it alone. It's something that has to be done together, as a team. A lot like life, wouldn't you say?

There's something to be said about a group of friends working together. We support one another and want to help the other work through and solve their problems. We grow stronger because of this, as individuals and as friends. Working together makes the hard times not so hard.

A plug to all my Catholic friends - praying the Mary, Undoer of Knots novena is a big help too. Mama Mary is such a prayer warrior. But I digress.

To all my friends that have helped me undo the knots in life, the ones who have stuck by me and shown me they care - thank you. Life is more worthwhile, having you in my life. I am so grateful for you. Sure, life might give us one knot after another, but that's okay. We have God and each other - together, we can get through anything.

You're not the only one with knots in your life. We're human, we all have problems. It's important to support one another, and do what we can to help others. Reach out to others, lend a hand. Helping others is so good. Try to take time not to be so focused on your own personal knots - rather, reach out to others, be there for them as well. You'll never know how much of a difference you can make in someone's life. Something as simple as a smile can make all the difference in someone's day.

Some knots are trickier than others, some knots might seem impossible to be undone. But with perseverance and determination, committed people can make it through anything. God guides the hands of those who serve Him.

It's funny, when you have a group of people working together to undo a human knot, it doesn't seem so difficult. In a strange way, it's enjoyable. You're working together, and it doesn't seem so hard. Life's problems are the same way. When you have a close friend group who support you and help you through, it doesn't seem so bad. Granted, everyone has their moments - and that's totally normal. But keep having faith that you will make it through.

May we always persevere, trusting that with God and through the help of friends, any knot can be undone. Enjoy life, friends.