Here we are, about to tie up week 5 of our school year; how fast time goes!  This year, I transitioned from 3^rd grade to 5^th and I don’t mind admitting that 5^th grade is kicking my butt!  I feel a bit like a puppy frantically swimming just to keep her nose above the waterline.  But paddle, I will!

I refuse to get swept away! Each year of teaching gets progressively more challenging and more exhausting.  Yet, I see myself grow as an educator and as a person.  How do I make it through each challenging day?  Probably the same way you do… with help and encouragement and it’s time to celebrate the people who are there for us!They are the ones who listen to our frustrations.  They help us hash out our ideas.  They cry with us when we are discouraged.  They shout with us when we succeed. They bolster our flagging confidence when the swells of challenge seem greater than the swells of courage.

Who is your tribe?  Who is it that stops you from “jumping ship” and reminds you of all the gold that’s inside of you?  They are your tribe!  I’m so thankful for the amazing people God has placed in my life!

I live with my tribe, work with my tribe, play with my tribe, worship with my tribe!  Those people are not all the same people, though there is much overlap.

I have purposed to seek out people that encourage me and demonstrate character traits I want to grow in my life.  My tribe also includes people that challenge me and refuse to let me run and hide when life throws me a curve ball.

These are not your acquaintances or your fair-weather peeps.  Not all your friends are tribe members.  Your tribe members are those who have the authority and privilege of speaking into your life.  True tribe members must be purposefully chosen.

My tribe includes people who are:

Trustworthy-positive, committed, loyal

Real-authentically themselves and expect the same from me

Invested-willing to invest in my life and allow me to invest in theirs

Bettering-share in a reciprocal commitment to bettering one another’s lives

Encouraging-engages in our relationship by speaking life-giving words

As a parent, it blesses my heart to say that my adult children are part of my tribe.  My husband is a vital member and our moms are included as well.  I have incredible co-workers, family members, and friends that are tribe members too!  Today, I celebrate their amazingness!  I need them and I hope they need me!

Think about your life… do you feel positive about your tribe?  Do you know who you can call on when life knocks you down?  Build your tribe!  Be part of someone else’s tribe!  Link arms with those who are trustworthy, real, invested, bettering, and encouraging!  The sun shines so much brighter when reflected by those around you.

Check out: Psalm 1:1-3, Proverbs 4

Live Loved,