As I’ve entered into different eras of my life — career, motherhood, midlife — I’ve found that despite feeling joy and excitement about some milestones, other situations have left me feeling lost, lonely and completely isolated.
I’m guessing you’re feeling that too, which is why you’re here!
Well, to help you move from alone to alive here are 3 different way for you to connect with your people and find your tribe this season so you can be fully emerged in your new community and making all kinds of plans by the summer — read on to find yours.
1. Your Working Woman Tribe
If you work from home or work for/run a business by yourself, this ones for you.
I worked from home for over 10 years and although it was great for things like never having to get out of leggings or wash my hair (Hey Dry Shampoo!), and always being available for the school run and class assemblies, I did really, really miss talking to people and having someone connect with daily about work related stuff. Luckily my friend Gemma started a co-working group for local women in business or anyone who worked from home and I found a group of brilliant like-minded women who changed every for me, from there I also went on to join other local groups for women that opened up connections even more.
What you need to do:
Start connecting with local women on social media who also lone work.
Search for local co-working groups or spaces that you can try out.
Look out for groups in your area that bring people together like Netwalking or Business Breakfast.
Find out if there are any Women in Business Groups you can join.
Check out event pages or platforms local courses, meetings or event days for your niche/area of work.
Where to look:
Instagram, Facebook and Eventbrite are all good places to start searching and connecting. Don’t forget to check out your local library for groups, events and courses and get hold of any local magazines that advertise meet-ups, activities and support.
2. Your Mum Tribe
If you’re a new mum, a seasoned mum or even just thinking about being a mum this one is for you.
You may know by now that I am a mum of 3 and each time I had them I’ve had the opportunity to connect to some other amazing mums who have picked me up when I was down and celebrated all the joyful milestones along the way. There’s nothing like having another mum in your corner when it comes to navigating the world of parenting BUT it’s not always easy to find your tribe.
What you need to do:
Ask your health visiter or local school/nursery about local groups.
Connect with families on your street/in your neighbourhood.
Search for mums you resonate with online.
Get in touch with any school friends or co-workers who are parents too.
Find out if there are any local specialised activities like swimming or sensory.
Where to look:
Social media is a good place to start — follow local groups and events and search for activities there. Ask other people like neighbours or your health visitor if they can suggest anything. Check out your local library and school for any free groups.
I realise that the world of mum friends can be scary, we don’t always resonate with the mums we meet, everyone parents differently and other mums can be cliquey or compare their baby to yours BUT it’s worth trying out different things to find the mums you can connect with. There’s nothing worse than being a mum, feeling stuck at home and feeling isolated and alone. If you try a group and hate it you don’t have to go back again. If you meet a mum you like ask them to meet you for coffee or go to the local park one day. You get to pick your mum group, and I promise there will be other mums out there who are in the same boat as you, dare yourself to be brave!
3. The Passion Project Tribe
This could also be for anyone who has a hobby, interest or activity they do regularly and wants to connect with others who are the same, sound like you? Then keep reading.
Now I realise that many people have a passion like running, sewing or painting that they are quite happy being by their merry little selves with. But I’m guessing you're reading this because that’s not you and you want to find others who share your love for whatever it is you love! For example In the last 6 months I’ve been determined to move my body more so when I discovered a local Networking with like minded women (pictured above) I was thrilled!
What you need to do:
Check online and local noticeboards for groups, meetings and events.
Find people online who share your passion/activity/interest to follow and connect with.
Ask a friend or family member who also shares your enthusiasm to met up and do your thing together.
Go to local and national exhibitions and conferences that are themed to your interest.
Visit any local historical or cultural museums or centres in connection with your hobbies/passions.
Search for local courses or activities to practice/learn/build on your interests and skills.
Where to look:
Social media, Eventbrite, local and national exhibition centre websites and museum websites. Higher education or adult learning websites for your area. Local magazines and noticeboards and your local library. Sports centres, village halls and local tourist information.
So there you have it, some basic ideas to get you started. Remember finding a tribe takes time, it can start with just one person and it can shift and evolve over time. You might not click with everyone you meet immediately, give it some time though and don’t take it too seriously, plus be prepared to meet people you might not want in your tribe, that’s ok too because we are all different.
Hopefully you’ll try something here and start cultivating connections in the next few months, let me know how you get on and don’t forget to share any more ideas or suggestion below.
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