Why Every Women Needs Her Own Tribe

Motherhood

Jul 25

Written By

My Week At She Speaks 16

This week I was blessed to be able to attend the She Speaks 16 Conference! It's been an amazing opportunity to get together with a group of women passionate about writing and speaking. The week has been full of amazing workshops and testimonies from inspiring women.I was able to leave my two older kids behind with their Nanamma (grandma) and Pinni (aunt). It's always so hard leaving them behind. Always being the two times in their entire lives! Right before I left, I started running through the list with my four-year-old."Mommy put your baby, lotion, and toothbrush in your backpack. Be sure to help your brother while I'm gone and you better miss me."The entire time I'm saying this, his hand is on my cheek and he's reassuring me with the sweetest little reassuring voice."I know mom. I know. I know."It was right then that I realized it wasn't my kids that would struggle with momma being so far away. It was me! They couldn't wait to spend time with their cousins and everyone. I love that they're getting bigger, but I can't help the sting I feel as I left. My kids are becoming independent little boys.Just to make myself feel a little better, I took my youngest little boy with me. I know, but I couldn't help it! My mom even offered to come and watch him while I was at the conference during the day. Maybe next year they'll all stay behind. Maybe...I learned so many things throughout the workshops. One of the biggest things I learned is how important it is for every woman to have her own tribe. A tribe is a group of your people. People that will have your back against all odds, help you get through the good and bad times, and you know you can count on. Here are a few reasons you need one!

Every Women Needs Her Own Tribe...

To Surround Herself With Like-Minded People

One of my favorite parts about going to She Speaks this year was the fact that I was able to sit in a workshop with over one hundred like-minded women. We were all there with the intention to learn more about writing, shape our strategies, and to be encouraged. It was a huge blessing. Being surrounded with like-minded people means you all have similar goals. The passions, strategies, and opinions are all different, but the core was the same.When you surround yourself with like-minded people you're essentially saying,"We're all on the same journey together, going to the same place. Let's walk together to encourage and support each other. We make take a few different paths on this journey, but I know at the end of the day you're in it with me."

To Have People Willing To Challenge Her

There is nothing worse than surrounding yourself with a group of yes-women. What in the world is a yes- women you may be asking yourself? It's a woman that says yes to everything your say without fail. While that may sound nice, it's not.We need to fill our tribe with women that challenge us. We're imperfect and are bound to do things we shouldn't. Whether it's ranting about something that feels big in the moment, but really isn't in the grand scheme of things. Maybe it's the fact we've been in a bad mood all week because one of your kids aren't sleeping well... Or maybe you're trying to decide if you should take on yet another task when your plate is already completely full.You don't want to fill your tribe with a bunch of women that will encourage you to make bad decisions. You want women that will challenge you. That will be in your corner and tell you not to take on another task because you need a break. Or challenge you to have a better attitude while encouraging you. You need to be challenged in your life. Who better than a friend you know loves and cares for you?

To Have People That Get Her

Do you know the feeling when you're trying to explain something to a friend, fearing they're going to think you're crazy, and they just get it? They understand exactly what you're saying and have probably experienced something similar as well.You need to fill your tribe with women that get you. This happens when you're vulnerable and open up. The more you let the walls down and share the ins and outs of your life with your friend, the closer you'll get. As you get closer they're going to start sharing about their life and you can see where your lives are similar.One sign of a lasting friendship is one you can start to vent to only to hear, "You don't have to say anymore... I know exactly what you're saying."This happens through vulnerability, raw honesty, and trust. Allow yourself to grow closer with your tribe and gain a group of women that just get you.

To Have Someone To Cry With

I can't tell you how many times I have called up a friend to just cry with. Life gets sticky, messy, and overwhelming. Sometimes you're going through a painful season in your life and you just need a friend. Having a tribe of women you're close to a trust means you can call one of them and just let it go. You can cry on their shoulder and they can cry with you.A good friend and a good tribe of women would cry with you. They understand you feel overwhelmed and truly empathize with you. They feel your pain and want to help you get through it. They've created a safe place for you to come and be real and raw with them.

To Dream Big With

As women, we're big dreamers. We strive for big and bold things. Sometimes those big dreams can get pressed down when we're busy with work or kids. You need a tribe of women that are there to remind you to dream big. They remind you that you're worth it. They remind you that you're capable and can do anything you set your mind to.Surround yourself with people that will always challenge you to be the best you can be and to stop limiting your dreams. You are worth it. Remember that.

How Can I Build My Tribe Today?

Having a tribe is crucial for us ladies.We need this tribe to help us, encourage us, challenge us, and help us to be better women. Look around you today and determine who your tribe is. Remember to pour into those ladies in your life. Build your tribe by encouraging them and be the friend you need and desire to them!