My Tribe

Sharing my slice of life (#slice2013) over at Two Writing Teachers.  Please join us!

Every morning I am greeted with a couple of friendly emails. I receive one from the universe...

It never fails to make me smile...the idea of the universe thinking enough of me to send me an email. The other email I receive every morning is from author, Patti Digh. Those emails include a rock with a phrase or word painted on it. Last week one of those emails really stayed with me. It was this one: 

"Create your own tribe." YES! Reflecting on 2013 I was struck by how comfortable I was in my own skin...FINALLY...after 41 years. I felt at peace with me. Without knowing it, I've been searching for a reason why. Why did it finally feel ok to be me? Why am I ok with showing others the real me? 

I created my own tribe. Little by little. Step by step. 

Some of you are part of my virtual tribe. Finding my PLN on Twitter and my blogging friends through posting on Nerdy Book Club and commenting on Two Writing Teachers and Celebrating with Ruth Ayres on Discover. Play. Build...you all changed me. You showed me that it's ok to be passionate and excited about books and writing and working with students. You taught me new ways to find answers and you asked me questions and found my insight valuable!

My writing tribe includes Patti Digh. I took an online course with her and it was the first time I felt like I could say, I'm a writer, without feeling like a phony. She inspires by her life and has become an important part of my tribe.

Finding strong, dependable, kind friends outside of school (as well as a few inside, too) made a difference. When I joined my Church I found more members of my tribe. Again, I felt encouraged and included and inspired by the kind people I spend time with at church. I'm greeted with hugs and smiles and invitations to enjoy concerts and retreats. I'm part of the tribe. 

I've always felt different. My path in life isn't what I expected and it's non-traditional. For so long, I lamented and complained and felt sorry for myself about that. Oh poor me!  Ridiculous! Someone told me (yes, someone in my tribe) that I have to let go of the idea of what should have been, so I can allow what will be in my life.

I'm lucky. I love my job. I have a family that's spread out, but who love me so much! My friends are true friends. They are the... "go out for a spontaneous breakfast at 6AM or come over when I need a hug or cry with me, because crying alone is never as good or laughing until we can't breathe" friends!

My tribe is small. I like it. It's filled with love and trust. It's flexible and will grow and change with all of us. It's surrounded in a blanket of support and acceptance. I'm grateful for my tribe. Tell me about your tribe.