With social media and the pressure of finding a village, “finding your mom tribe” has become more crucial than ever. Your mom tribe is a group of people who share your values, passions, and aspirations, those who uplift and support you on your journey. But how do you go about finding this community of amazing moms? They don’t just appear, let me tell you. You need to look for them — but don’t worry they’re there.
The importance of connection
Humans are inherently social beings. We thrive on connection, and being part of a community can profoundly impact our mental and emotional well-being. Your mom tribe provides a sense of belonging, encouragement during tough times, and celebration during achievements. It’s where you can truly be yourself without fear of judgment.
Reflect on your Interests and values
The first step to finding your mom tribe is self-reflection. Consider what truly matters to you. What are your passions? Whether it is devouring dark romance novels, binge-watching true crime documentaries, or living your best life as your kids’ number one sports fan — understanding yourself will guide you toward people who resonate with your beliefs and interests. These interests may change over time, so over the course of your lifetime, your tribe may change, so keep that in mind.
Explore new spaces
Step outside your comfort zone once you have clarity on what you’re looking for. Attend workshops, join clubs, etc., that align with your interests. Getting involved in and attending community events that cater to these interests is crucial to helping you find your mom tribe. While this task seems daunting at first, I can assure you that it is worth it. The more you explore, the more likely you are to meet like-minded individuals.
Leverage online communities
In today’s digital age, finding your mom tribe isn’t limited to geographical boundaries. Online platforms can connect you with people worldwide who share your passions. Social media groups, forums, and specialized websites are great places to start building relationships that might eventually extend into real life. There are several ways to connect with local moms through Orlando Mom Collective — like Coffee and Connection on Fridays.
Be open and authentic
When you meet new people, approach each interaction with openness and authenticity. Be genuine in sharing your thoughts and experiences. This vulnerability fosters deeper connections and encourages others to be their true selves. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. In the last five years, I have learned that it is OK to be you, the real you. And your genuine tribe will find you. Even if you think that someone has never experienced something you are going through, I can assure you that someone is just as nervous about opening up about their experiences for the same reasons. I’m not saying that you must tell your entire life story within the first 5 minutes of meeting someone; however, being vulnerable, while scary at first, can open you up to a whole new understanding of yourself.
Nurture your relationships
Finding your mom tribe is just the beginning; nurturing these relationships is equally important. Invest time in getting to know your new friends. Plan regular meetups, check in on each other, and support one another’s endeavors. A strong tribe is built on mutual respect, trust, and shared experiences. The saying ‘you get out of what you put into a relationship’ is very true. A lot of people only use this saying for spouse and partner relationships, but it is true in friendships as well. Plan a weekly coffee meetup or get together for a weekly wine night. One of my favorite things to do during my daughter’s volleyball season is to hang out with my mom friends and watch their daughters, who may all be on different teams now.
Embrace change
As you grow and evolve, your tribe might change too. It’s natural for relationships to shift as your interests and values develop. Embrace this fluidity and remain open to new connections that may come your way. Sometimes, the entire core tribe may change. Sometimes, you may have to distance yourself from an entire group of friends, and that is OK. This is one of those things that I wish I could have told myself five years ago. It would make me a better person and friend when I found my mom tribe for this stage in my life. However, I did learn a lot about myself, what I truly needed in my tribe, and what I could bring to the table.
Taking the time to find your tribe is an investment in your happiness and well-being. Surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals can profoundly transform your life. So, take that first step. Explore, connect, and watch as your community flourishes. Remember, you don’t just find your tribe; you build it.
Start today, and who knows? Your tribe may be just around the corner, waiting for you to discover it.
