These days, being a woman is challenging. We need supportive ladies who share our values by standing by us and going through life with us.
Women shared a lot more back then than they do now. They collaborated to cook, acquire food, and take turns caring for the baby. The ladies and the kids lived in close proximity to one another and regularly turned to one another for support and consolation.
Women are much more separated from one another and from one another in their own homes and lives today. The chances to come together are considerably more few, and the amount of time spent together is drastically cut down. Women lose out on the wonderful nourishment and healing that comes from interacting with others as a result.
It takes vulnerability to let those we love into our lives, to let them show up, to let them comfort and encourage us, and it takes us to do the same for them.
Why Women Need a Tribe
Here are a few explanations for why every woman needs her own tribe.
1. Having sisters is a strong force.
We modern women today do not have the same freedom and independence that our tribe sisters and hunter-gatherer predecessors did. However, it turns out that even if we no longer require that strong sisterhood to survive, we still do it in order to thrive.
Numerous studies are starting to show that women’s health and happiness are significantly impacted when they form close relationships with other women. Women experience a tremendous and frequently life-changing impact when they band together to share and encourage one another.
2. Women’s friendships have power.
True friendship has incalculable advantages. Friendships enrich our lives and, according to studies, have a greater positive effect on our physical and mental health than familial ties. Women have a unique kinship because they open up to one another, support, and inspire one another.
Science has learned a few things about the value of female friendships.
According to research, the hormone oxytocin is the cure-all for friendship and, consequently, health, especially for women.
3. Inspiration and assistance
Everybody has had those times when it feels like life is deliberately disrespecting us by coming at us from every direction. You need a member of your tribe who makes it their job to encourage you and bring life to your circumstances. You’re actually encouraging yourself when you tell your bestie, “You are worthy,” or “This too shall pass,” after she’s expressed her frustrations. Win-win situation.
4. You need a safe place to land
areas where you can be wholly and completely vulnerable. No nonsense or pretension. Where you are welcome to arrive sporting bed hair and an ugly cry. Additionally, you can express yourself by telling your narrative from your point of view.
You are free to act out, pound your feet, and drink wine (or a beer in my case). Because you are accepted just as you are, you are constantly changing and developing.
5. An opportunity to take a breather
Women’s circles provide you an opportunity to pause for a moment while life rushes by in today’s fast-paced world where women only receive an average of 36 minutes of downtime each day (or 17 minutes if you’re a mother). to pause, then breathe deeply.
It’s an opportunity to assess your progress and ask, “How am I doing…really?” while having other women bare witness to your response. It’s an opportunity for you to do something that, typically, women aren’t very good at: listen to your wants and your dreams, and make sure you’re doing everything you can to meet them.
6. Your tribe lessens tension
Our innate survival instinct kicks in when we are under stress, and we may feel the impulse to “fight or flight.” Although the majority of stress research focuses on men, recent findings reveal that women have a wider range of behavioral options than just “fight or flight.”
After a long day, if you’re feeling pressured and exhausted and would prefer to go home (i.e., try to go into “flight” mode”), go to your woman meeting instead since you’ll always feel utterly renewed.
7. It seems easier to overcome difficulties.
This may sound familiar to you. You’ve encountered a problem with your project and are now feeling totally overwhelmed. The more you consider your challenge, the more insurmountable it seems!
The stress and difficulty then seem to go merely by telling your tale to a friend or at your regular Woman group. The support is there, and it seems like the impediment is getting smaller and smaller. You begin to come up with solutions and have a greater faith in yourself.
8. Having an open ear
Some of you have been guilty of repeatedly calling the man in your life “Girl” when you start spilling the beans about your day. As a result, he is tired of it.
We need to have our moments for authentic girl discussion, even though it is undoubtedly healthy to have flowing, open communication with your partner. It’s great to have your girl friends’ ideas and perspectives on some issues, therefore it’s crucial to have a few women in your tribe you can rely on to give wise counsel.
9. Being a woman in society
Every day around the world, women face a distinct set of obstacles than men. We are still navigating a world that is predominately male; as a result, we frequently get neglected, passed over, and gazed upon. Despite being at a higher risk for abuse and trafficking, we are still underrepresented in politics, the media, and even the tech sector. Furthermore, because we believe we should be subservient, feminine, and gentler, we give away our authority because we are taught what to wear and how to behave.
We say “fuck that stuff” because, as members of a tribe of women, we experience this feeling on a daily basis. We support one another and advance together, saying “Fuck the patriarchy, Fuck inequality, and For shame to those who cannot move beyond.” We gain power. Cheerlead. Lean forward. Pop-pom, we. We stoke one another’s fires. To all of this, we demonstrate empathy, compassion, and a comprehension that can only come from experiencing the same struggles.
10. Encourage each other
It should go without saying that the people in your orbit should motivate you to reach your full potential. You are inspired to step up your game and join the winning squad when you witness members of your tribe being their competitive selves. You need friends who will motivate and inspire you to reach your greatest potential.
The World Has Changed
Having your own tribe is even more crucial today because of the changing economic and social systems. No one can put their future happiness and support in the hands of businesses, organizations, or even nations.
Men have had networks, golf clubs, and football teams throughout history. We ladies need to come out of the closet and form our own tribes. Together, we can support one another in being the women we now are and the women we want to be.
A tribe need not consist of a large number of people; it is OK for your tribe to be made up of just one or two close pals. Consider your mother to be one of the pack, as well as any mentors you may have or even the first lady at your church. Those that are a part of your tribe should be able to rely on you at your weakest, and reciprocity for dependability is unquestionably required.
Surround Yourself With the Right Tribe
The adage “Show me your pals and I’ll tell you who you are” certainly applies here.
Hang around with pessimistic folks who constantly complain about how horrible things are, and you’ll begin to believe them. You will learn a thing or two along the way for your personal growth if you surround yourself with people who are interested in bettering themselves and becoming the best versions of themselves.
Building your personal network one person at a time is an option, but you can also jump-start your tribe by joining one that matches your values and fosters the kind of growth and optimism you’re after. Building your network before you actually need it is crucial, though.