The Right Tribe for You

Oct 6 - by Anya Marinovich

Here is something that I have witnessed yesterday and it really got me thinking – there is a lot more to the power of the tribe then we might think. And while I sometimes use the word “tribe” interchangeably with the word “community”, the “tribe” comes with the vibe of survival and connections going all the way down to the core of our instincts.

I was volunteering my time to benefit 911HelpAmerica foundation and found myself standing for two hours next to one of their beneficiaries. He was a young veteran who came back from Iraq with the injuries that might not be obvious to the eye, but you know that they are there, because you can not get blown up by a bomb and walk away unharmed. As we were standing there we shared a small talk, the regular set of questions you get from a stranger. He wasn’t too talkative, but our exchange had a pleasant, relaxed undercurrent. We were two introverts with no need to fill the silence, so we were good.

But you wouldn’t believe the change that happened in my new friend when the next guest at out table turned out to be an Iraqi veteran himself. Let me tell you, both men had this commanding presence and a wall of toughness and strength about them that I thought was permanent for sure. But all the appearances went crumbling down as they started talking in their own “language”. The tribal connection was so palpable, that the time froze, I was an outsider, and the only two people who mattered in the room were these two guys who acted as two dear friends who have not seen each other for ages. Being in the presence of someone from his own tribe originated a transformation that gave my friend all the resources he needed to be comfortable, funny and outgoing. I was finally looking at a man he really was!

What I have seen in that moment is that precious gem that I wanted to share with you. We all are connected to different tribes. But the tribes could make a difference or they can take us down. There are people who do not feel comfortable getting out of their comfort zone. Its ok, they are the ones making that choice. But when you have this burning desire to do something and you want to share it with others and get their feedback, I urge you to find the tribe, the group of people who will pick you up and carry you forward  even if you start stumbling on the road blocks. How do you find your tribe? The best way is to start asking questions. Does this person help you see more opportunities? Does this person make you think of other ways of accomplishing your goals? Does this person accept your desire to be and do more? If the answer is yes, then that person is a member of your tribe! Make sure you return the favor by offering your support to them. My tribe has been the people who have been following my journey on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AHeroOnEveryBlock. Now, having had their support, and slowly coming out of the shadows of the last two years, I am finally getting to the point when my heart is overflowing with gratitude and I am ready to start giving back. And I hope I can give back much more, because they are my tribe and I am part of theirs. We all have two things in common – life and finding the inspiration to keep going.