Have you ever played on a sports team? Were you in a sorority or fraternity in college? Are you currently on a team at work? A volunteer board? A school committee? Or do you just have an awesome group of friends that have your back?
Connection and belonging are two of our basic human desires and can be cultivated in limitless ways. Some of us are connected to a structured group and others to a loosely organized one. Either way, the support this group or “tribe” provides can be instrumental to our feelings of well-being.
Research supports the beneficial outcomes when we fulfill our need to belong. Women especially benefit from the love and support that connection offers. A tribe offers a safe place for self-discovery, growth and connection. Members are there to help pick you up when you need encouragement or push you forward when you need a challenge. Most importantly, they cheer for your triumphs and identify with your trials.
Yet, women today have less time and opportunity to connect with other women. In ancient times, women lived and worked together, literally. They collectively gathered food, tended to their surroundings, and cared for their children. They provided support and comfort to one another as they jointly faced joys and obstacles. Even a few decades ago, women were more apt to join together in activities such as neighborhood play groups, school boards or religious committees. The increased demands on women today results in less time and opportunity to connect with others.
Hopefully you are finding time to connect with your tribe. You may have a group of friends from school whom you turn to in times of celebration or need. You may be a member of a committee where your talents are appreciated and your values are aligned. Perhaps you are involved in an employee resource or affinity group at work that provides opportunities for growth and support. Reflect on your current support groups. Whether you refer to them as your tribe, your posse, your people, your friends, or your clan; bring intention to your interactions within your groups and consider how they help you grow and develop.
If you are in need of a tribe, think about how and where you can develop one. Be creative! As you make connecting with others a priority, appreciate how important this self-care practice is for your well-being.
Connection and belonging are two of our basic human desires and can be cultivated in limitless ways. Some of us are connected to a structured group and others to a loosely organized one. Either way, the support this group or “tribe” provides can be instrumental to our feelings of well-being.
Research supports the beneficial outcomes when we fulfill our need to belong. Women especially benefit from the love and support that connection offers. A tribe offers a safe place for self-discovery, growth and connection. Members are there to help pick you up when you need encouragement or push you forward when you need a challenge. Most importantly, they cheer for your triumphs and identify with your trials.
Yet, women today have less time and opportunity to connect with other women. In ancient times, women lived and worked together, literally. They collectively gathered food, tended to their surroundings, and cared for their children. They provided support and comfort to one another as they jointly faced joys and obstacles. Even a few decades ago, women were more apt to join together in activities such as neighborhood play groups, school boards or religious committees. The increased demands on women today results in less time and opportunity to connect with others.
Hopefully you are finding time to connect with your tribe. You may have a group of friends from school whom you turn to in times of celebration or need. You may be a member of a committee where your talents are appreciated and your values are aligned. Perhaps you are involved in an employee resource or affinity group at work that provides opportunities for growth and support. Reflect on your current support groups. Whether you refer to them as your tribe, your posse, your people, your friends, or your clan; bring intention to your interactions within your groups and consider how they help you grow and develop.
If you are in need of a tribe, think about how and where you can develop one. Be creative! As you make connecting with others a priority, appreciate how important this self-care practice is for your well-being.