I am sitting here, with a laundry list of other things that I should be doing, but I am compelled to write. I know that my mind will be of no use, unless I get this out. I wrote a piece earlier today to be published in an ebook. The topic was about "collaboration" and my piece was about "Finding YOUR People"...more specifically: Finding Your Tribe. I will share some of that piece in a minute, but the interesting thing is...right as I pushed submit on that piece, I received a message from one of my "tribe people". This message was an incredibly kind, supportive, wake up call to me. It was exactly what I needed, at that exact moment in time. Funny how that works. More on that in a bit.
Here is an excerpt from my story: #tribematters: This idea of finding your tribe, is new to me...but so transformative! It wasn’t until this last year, that I feel I have found my tribe people and have understood the impact. I describe a tribe as a group of YOUR people. These are the people that “get” you. They understand where you are coming from, where you want to go and help you to get there. They are there to listen when you need an ear, lift you when you are down, celebrate when there are wins and push you farther than you thought you could go. Your tribe members don’t necessarily need to be like minded people, but they are usually like hearted people...that is where the connection is made. I personally have been extremely blessed to have found my tribe! It is not large, but they are large in my life. It is made up of amazing, humble educational leaders who care. I would not have survived this last year without this crew! There have been many times of self doubt, pitfalls, frustration, small wins, big wins, naysaying, bullying, good times and bad...and they have seen me through them all. They have helped me to see things and believe things in myself, that I never knew. They put me in check when needed and they absolutely stretch me AND my thinking. I have come to rely on this amazing group of people for a lot. I just hope that I can give back in return. This should be a two way street and I often wonder if I am pulling my weight in these relationships. I often reflect and wonder how I can give back to them. I don’t feel I have much to give, besides my ear and my heart...both of those are always free and clear when/if they are needed...I hope they know that. And this is when I got today's kick in the a**! The thing that struck me, was that I easily and openly received the message...this is new to me. My usual MO is to quickly put up walls when hearing tough stuff, but this was different. Why? I think I have figured it out...intent. While I was listening, my eyes were tearing up and I really didn't know why. I now realize, it was because of the intent behind the words. This is a trusted person (which is tough for me in the first place) whom I have great respect for. This person was seeing the effect things were having on me, when I couldn't see it myself and stopped me in my tracks. The words and the intent were implicitly authentic AND real. I took them in and made the shift in my mind and my heart. I went through the rest of the day, functioning in a different way...looking at things through a different lens. THAT is what your tribe can do for you. I know this person does not even see the power of these words, so that is why I decided to write. I often say that words matter because they absolutely do! Something we say, can change someone else (good or bad). That 1 minute message created a shift...words are free and take up very little time. Let's use our megaphone for good. I am thankful every day for the amazing people that have entered into my life and often question how I got so lucky. If they are reading this, they know who they are because I thank them often, yet don't feel I can thank them enough. I urge you, find YOUR people and hold on to them.
3 Comments
Dianne Csoto
5/2/2017 07:53:00 pm
Completely agree! Without the right people behind and beside you, the rest can be overwhelming. Glad to say you are one of MY people. :)
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Victor
5/9/2017 08:33:37 pm
My experience is that it takes a lifetime to build YOUR tribe. So when you do, hold on to them because they are more valuable than titles, positions, and money.
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