Women are givers. Many give so much to their families and careers and after years of doing so they no longer have an identity outside of mother, wife, and their profession. Friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. How does one reclaim who they really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere?
About five years ago I went through this identity crisis as my oldest child was approaching his senior year in high school. With his imminent departure for college, and soon to follow suit, my youngest daughter, I realized life as I knew it was about to change forever. At the time the thought was almost terrifying. For the next year, I resisted this inevitable outcome as I desperately created and clung to every mom-ment I could. Who was I going to be without my dominant role and label – MOM?
One day I had an epiphany. I was listening with envy to a friend about her upcoming trip to Italy and thought… one day…. and realized I could start a “get-to” list. This list would include all the things I would get-to do once I became an empty nester. Although still not looking forward to “the end” of life as I knew it, now I had a spark of excitement as well.
I am grateful to have had a few strong friendships in my life at that time, but I realized those relationships had been somewhat neglected. I needed these women now more than ever and committed to intentionally connecting on a regular basis. As these connections were fortified over the next few years, this companionship and sense of belonging eased the sting of my chicks launching their adult lives and helped me launch the next chapter of mine.
I recently wrote a book called Lady and the Tribe inspired by these events and in honor of my "besties" who I call Tribe. I wanted to share my journey and help women connect on a deeper more meaningful level with other women. I believe connection is the key to joy and becoming whole.
Lady and the Tribe is about the woman and her inner circle of friendships. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, counselors, and always in our corner. They are the branches of our individual “Tree of Life” lifting and supporting us so we can flourish. Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life… with no strings attached.
Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. The book shares how to find, nurture and deepen friendships creating a Tribe culture. We can become whole again through connection. Whether you already have strong friendships or are starting from scratch, I invite you to join us!
If you would like to learn more about the book visit ladyandthetribe.com. There you can sign up to start your own Tribe Inner Circle and receive Tribe-building tips. Subscribers will be invited to the private book launch party in the works for early fall 2021. When three or more gather, we are Tribe.
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