FIND YOUR TRIBE
Call it whatever you like: your clan, network, posse, gang, pack, your family. But take the time to find them!!!! These are the people that accept you as you are and want the very best for you!
The right group will help you:
STAY MOTIVATED
GIVE YOU THE COURAGE TO TAKE RISKS
INSPIRE YOU
ENCOURAGE YOU
GIVE SUPPORT WHEN NEEDED
Finding a community will empower you and give meaning to your work. Your creative work is more than a hobby and they know it!
Your tribe will add momentum to what you are doing. Think of geese that travel in packs. It is said the geese travel 75% faster in a group than when they are alone. So, doesn’t it make sense your creative goals and dreams will come to fruition faster if you find your tribe?
Your tribe should be people you trust, people that genuinely care about you and your work, that will cheer you on. But, remember, reciprocity is key. You also have to encourage, inspire and cheer too, And you must do it honestly (just keep your ego in check and don’t be judgemental).
Being around others opens up the floodgate of more possibilities, ideas and opportunities.
Find a mentor. Pavarotti had mentors throughout his career. Jonathan Williams mentored Robin Williams. Nicholas Cage mentored Johnny Depp. Thomas Edison mentored Henry Ford. Thomas Jefferson mentored Lewis & Clark. Paul Robeson mentored Obama.
Where are you going to find them? First of all, get out of your house, go out into the world.
Case in point – recently the Women’s Caucus For Art in Georgia hosted DrawFourDays. A group of almost 20 women got together for four days and drew . I was unable to take part, but I did visit. What did I find? I saw friendships being forged, respect among the participants and creativity beyond anything I imagined.
Maggie Bethel at the artist talk along with other wonderful work done that week. photo by Ruth Schowalter
Maxine Hess talking about her work on her right
In front of drawings by Kate Colpitts, left, and Helen De Ramus, right
Be curious! Be Brave! Get out there and mingle! Who knows what could happen!
Next week Week TWO of 21 Weeks to your Most Creative Self: Believe
Yes! Yes! Yes! To finding your tribe! I am so glad that you are a part of WCAGA and The Daily Creative Practice, and maybe even others!
YES!!!! I’m in need of my tribe and I love the groups you mentioned. I’m considering how I want to expand that tribe and who would fit that description exactly. Thanks for posting this. I really connected!!!
Yay to finding those magical gatherings of support and encouragement that nourish and stretch and celebrate us. Yes!
Great post on finding your tribe Vickie! It is so important to surround ourselves with people who support, encourage and cheer us on.
Love the concept of supportive tribes. I have the start of one in my pique assiete group (mostly professional women; no surprise); plus the DCP folks (thanks Trish!) Plus I have my swimming tribe which has been going strong for at least two years.It’s helped me to be much more balanced in my expectations of people in my life and as a result have moved from being deeply introverted to enjoying having more people in my life in an enriching way.
Vickie, I agree! This has been important for me & I am grateful for my tribe.
Loved this post Vickie – it really speaks to me in a big way! Having just moved and dealing with some new obstacles to getting back to my art…I’m on the lookout for my tribe and you’ve given me the push I needed!
glad it spoke to you!
sometimes having a group makes you more accountable too!
we all need cheerleaders!
oooh – i like that – magical gatherings!
i’m so glad you connected with this – and I have been thinking about how to expand my tribe (since I recently did a clean out)
thank you so much! I’m so glad I connected with both of these groups
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