Do you have a Chosen Tribe?
Here are my therapeutic musings…
🧠 I’ve been thinking about the power of community, after returning from a large group retreat in Wales. Picture 60 entrepreneurs immersed in nature, partying by night and attending incredible sessions by day, all hosted by members. I first joined the Foundrs community 7+ years ago when I was a first-time Founder, full of passion but totally out of my depth. In times of doubt and triumph, the community has been my constant. And now I was attending the retreat as a new mum, with my baby in tow.
I ran a session on ‘How to Raise Happy & Successful Kids’ (they're not necessarily the same thing) - and realised that building a company, like raising a child, demands a village.
Yet in reality, we’re more isolated than ever. Nine million people in the UK report feeling lonely "often or always.” With community centres gone and religious organisations dwindling, many of us are left to navigate life alone.
📢 Ask yourself:
“Have I found my 'tribe' or chosen family, and what does this mean for me?"
"When facing challenges, do I feel the pressure to solve problems alone or do I seek out communal wisdom?"
“How am I diversifying the perspectives and experiences in my life?”
💡The Revelation: Ask for experience shares, not advice.
When you encounter challenges, one of the most beneficial actions you can take is to seek out those who have navigated similar paths. Their lived experiences, rather than advice, can become a guiding light that illuminates your options and own way forward. It’s not about seeking an echo chamber, but rather cultivating a space that fosters your growth.
Whatever you do, wherever you're at in your journey, I urge you to invest time in finding "your people". Whether that’s through a hobby-based group activity, a spiritual or religious gathering, volunteering opportunity, or career support network. Here’s why to bother:
Vulnerability Fosters Connection: You learn that true strength lies in revealing vulnerability and asking for help. Belonging to Foundrs has been a constant reminder that I don't need to have it all figured out to contribute or seek support.
Diverse Perspectives Enhance Growth: Immersing yourself in a community with varied experiences is like a living lab for learning. It spurs personal and professional growth through a rich exchange of ideas, fostering innovative thinking.
Support Networks Bolster Resilience: Communities provide a safety net through life’s ups and downs. Other people’s successes and growth become an inspiration for you. It’s all about collective empowerment.
Which brings me on to the power of group therapy, too. If you’re struggling with a specific issue, you’ll discover there’s a support group for it. Many hesitate to join, fearing they’ll be labeled or defined by their challenges, but the right group is one where you're an individual among individuals, not a face in the flock.
Opening up in a support group doesn’t spotlight your problems - it showcases your courage and willingness to seek a solution. The efficacy of group therapy specifically lies in its communal nature. It provides a space where individuals can witness and contribute to the healing journeys of others, which, in turn, facilitates their own.
As a society grappling with division and isolation, seeking connection within community is more than a comfort; it's a necessity. It's within such groups that we find mirrors reflecting our multiplicity and potential, where we're reminded that, though our stories are unique, the themes of human experience echo universally.
💛 Product I’m loving:
If you’re a fan of Theragun, try their new Smart Goggles Eye Mask (£149). They provide massage, vibration and heat (you can tailor what you want) and are powered by a biometric sensor that’s clinically proven to lower your heart rate, reduce anxiety and relieve headaches/ tension. I reckon some peace and quiet is worth the hefty price tag.
Thanks for being here,
