Finding your tribe

I’m certain most of us can agree that 2020 was a year we soon won’t forget.  It was also a year for some that we learned new things about ourselves, and the relationships around us, and for some, it was a chance to start over with the way we were living.

I know for me I went into 2020 with big fears it was the year I would end by turning 40.  An age that gave me great anxiety, stress, and even some depression not as much as turning 42 did, but that’s for another day.  Then the pandemic hit and that threw a wrench into all those emotions.  The best part of the year was that I found the tribe I had prayed for.  They were the unanswered prayers I needed at the time I needed them most. I’m pretty certain none of us knew in January of 2020 that we needed each other as much as we did.

Making friends when you're an adult just seems to be completely different than when you were a kid.  I mean it’s not like you can walk out to the playground and just say “Hey wanna be friends?”  Not to mention even best friends…

I remember when I was a kid my mom told me that I needed to find some lifelong girlfriends.  She kept telling me that girlfriends would get me through some of the hardest times in life, and make the good times even better.  She has 3 that have been a part of her life since I’m sure she was knee-high to a grasshopper.  Well, maybe not that long but they have definitely been a part of her life as long as I’ve been alive! 

At the time I had one friend from High School that we somewhat caught up with when we could, which if it weren’t for Facebook wasn’t really often other than to share a like or quick word of encouragement, but I’m certain neither of us could really tell you what’s going on in the other's life on the daily.  

The only other girlfriend I called a bestie had just moved to Georgia to get out of a very unhealthy relationship and while I was only a phone or text away, she had her parents now pretty much just down the street and they could give her the love and support she needed to get back on her feet.  I was just a soundboard when she needed actually arms wrapped around her I was just too far.

   

Girlfriends provide that connection to a part of your life that your child, spouse/significant other just can’t fill.  For example, perhaps you enjoy baking and your spouse doesn’t, but when you can bake or even share recipes with a girlfriend that void in your life has been filled by them, or you like to do yoga and when you can connect with someone on a daily/weekly basis to do something you love that void is filled.  A purpose and meaning are filled.  

These lovely ladies provide so much more to me and with the help of this blog, I hope that we can provide so much more to you!  According to experts, the importance of finding your tribe shouldn't be underestimated. These groups can provide a sense of purpose, a reason to interact with others, and even proven health and well-being benefits.

5 Signs that You've Found Your Tribe

1. They encourage you to be yourself. Good friends don't want you to be just like them; they want you to be just like you. That’s why they are your friends.

2.  They encourage you to be honest. 

3. They give you space to make mistakes.  

4.  Through thick and thin. 

5. Your friends encourage you to grow.

We hope you find your tribe and if you haven’t I hope that we can be your virtual tribe.  Connect with us, we want to connect with you!