It doesn’t matter whether you’re physically alone most of the time, or surrounded by people; finding your tribe is a key component of motivation. Your tribe are the people who keep you moving when your own motivation is low. I got lucky in finding a tribe. After many years of doing things on my own, I slowly found people gathering around me. If I had to choose one defining trait for this group, it would be compassionate support.
It doesn’t seem to matter if someone shares a victory, or if one of us is having a bad day, the group gathers around to support, cheer on, and lift up. I can’t count the times I’ve been left feeling humbled to have these amazing people in my life.
My tribe isn’t all local though. It’s scattered around the world. We have several people in the US, but also others in Canada, Great Britain, the Philippines, and other countries. We have stay-at-home mothers, college students, call center workers, artists, artisans, and writers. We are more than friends, we are super fans of each other. Obviously, we communicate primarily online, which is what made me think to write this post today.
While many of us are in isolation or having to avoid gathering with friends, the internet is a fantastic way to keep in touch. If your local friends aren’t quite your tribe (and that’s not to say friends outside your tribe aren’t important) turn to the internet. Start by looking for people who have the same passions you do. For writers and artists, there’s a host of options, from Facebook groups to Twitter tags and even forums. If your passion is a game, check for people who play that game. If it’s sewing, find a good group.
Building a tribe takes time. Don’t expect it to happen overnight. Not everyone you meet with a shared interest will be a part of that tribe. Not everyone in your tribe will like everyone else, and that’s okay. As long as the people you surround yourself with are invested in your goals, and as long as you’re able to invest in theirs, the tribe will form.
If you already have your tribe, you have a powerful support system. Be sure you use it on the days when you feel like you’re stumbling. Even if you don’t talk about your own troubles, talking about life and what’s happening with others can break you out of the cycle of ruminating on the less pleasant things. As a result, you will find yourself better able to cope with the challenges you face.
The power of a tribe is that it moves all members forward and embodies the phrase, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” If you don’t have one, go find it! If you do, let them know you appreciate them today.
Always A Way Forward 
Awesome blogpost, and thought, especially during this time when we are all realizing how important the connections we have with each other is to help one another through. I’ve accululated mine over a matter of years and different experiences as well ranging from a high-school girlfriend to past work colleagues now close friends and a Writing Group connection. The interesting thing is that each of these connections is different, and each works and looks completely different, but we still manage to stay connected and know we’re there for each other.
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