Thursday, March 9, 2017

Tribal Love

We have a strong instinct to belong to normal groups
 defined by clear purpose and understanding- 'tribes.' 
This tribal connection has been largely lost in modern society, 
but regaining it may be the key to our psychological survival.
Sebastian Junger

Tribal Love

Standing together. Supporting and leaning. Because we are all Imperfect.That's what your Tribe is for, Tribal Love!

When I saw these young Moms together, it made me happy. It reminded me of those days when you longed for company and an adult to talk to. When having a date with a friend, got you going after having no sleep the night before.

And as you made your way back to work, and you wrestled with a squirmy two year old at 7a.m., you knew that you had someone to talk to during your coffee break.

Those Tribal members knew you, they knew what it felt like to lace up a pair of running shoes for your first half-marathon. They knew you when you stepped on stage for your first presentation. They told you when you had baby cereal on your sweatshirt and a flat tire on your car-pooling day. 

They pitched in without being asked. They told you things that you needed to hear. And they allowed each of you to grow, and sometimes to move on.

Your Tribe will change, as you will assuredly change over the years, but you will always be able to look back and see what they gave you. Their willingness to share their experiences and their learning made you feel almost "normal".

Your Tribe reminded you that you are never alone. Ask for what you need. Reach out to give. It can be quite magical.

When you've lived as long as I have, you will see how the giving and the receiving are intertwined. How an older friend who you admired in your thirties, who appeared to have everything you wanted, now needs to lean on you.

As Brené Brown said so beautifully in The Gifts of Imperfection...

Common humanity recognizes that suffering and feelings of personal inadequacy are part of the shared human experience – something we all go through rather than something that happens to “me” alone.

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