Your Tribe, Your Strength
The Hidden Benefits of Community
How many pinky swears did you make as a kid, promising to be BFFs forever, only to never see each other again? Do you still keep in contact with your college roommate or the person you shared that tiny cubicle with at your first job? It’s said that friendships lasting more than seven years are likely to last a lifetime, yet many of us have very few of those. Ever wonder where your tribe is now?
Trying to stay connected with everyone who crosses your path would leave you emotionally drained—and no, Facebook and Instagram don’t count. True friendships require time and one-on-one connection, but life often gets in the way. Still, there are compelling reasons to make the effort to hold on to a few close friends, and here’s why:
Increases Your Sense of Purpose
Throughout life, there are moments of both celebration and sadness. When you’re the one planning a party or receiving a call from your best friend with tragic news, showing up makes you everything to them in that moment. It works both ways—how often have you needed someone to be there for what you’re going through?
Tribe Reduces Stress
Women often express their feelings more openly than men. When you vent your frustrations, you release them instead of keeping them bottled up, and those thoughts lose their power over you. With your tribe, you can explore different ways to manage stress together.
Tribe in Tough Times
Tragedy can lead to depression, sometimes long-term and serious. In those moments, you’re not always seeking answers; sometimes, you just need a hug or someone to stay up all night with you. Within your tribe, you’ll find the compassion you need, which you’ll one day be able to return.
Positive Influence
When you hit your forties, changes—both physical and mental—can seem to happen overnight. Unhealthy habits like poor eating, skipping exercise, or even substance abuse may creep in. This is where your tribe comes to the rescue. They’ll help you get back on track, so you can look forward to decades of spa days together.
My Best Friend
I can’t write this without mentioning my best friend—my little sister. It’s surprising and a bit sad when I meet people who rarely speak to their siblings. I talk to my sister almost every day, and during rough times, a lot more. We’ve been through so much together—losing our mom at just 49, our parents’ divorce, and navigating our own crazy lives.
We’re each other’s therapists, and I can’t imagine my life without her. Even though we live 1,400 miles apart, we’re closer than anyone could be. I’m grateful to call her my best friend and proud of the person she is.
Having a tribe or even one close friend can be life-changing. No matter your age, it’s never too late to make new friends. When you have that friend or tribe, reach out, get together, and share those long-overdue hugs regularly. Strong connections are vital for your health and can bring you decades of joy.
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*Health and wellness coaches engage in evidence-based, client-centered processes that facilitate and empower clients to develop and achieve self-determined, health and wellness goals. We do not diagnose, interpret medical data, prescribe or de-prescribe, recommend supplements, provide nutrition consultation or create meal plans, provide exercise prescription or instruction, consult and advise, or provide psychological therapeutic interventions or treatment.
