I would have been “dead” long ago without my tribes. Tribes keep us alive – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – and are forever re-evolving in our lives. From birth family to high school, med school to residency, I continue to find tribes throughout my life’s journey. When child-rearing brought me to my knees, my mama tribe brought humor to the altar. Tribes are magnetic and quite magical.
“We are physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually hard-wired for connection. And in the absence of connection, there is always suffering.” – Brené Brown
The road to health can feel long and hard – often stretching you beyond your comfort zone. Going it alone would be like trying to climb Mt. Everest in flip-flops without a guide or tribe – not easy! If your plan A through Z isn’t working and you need a tribe to keep going, get excited! After reading this post, you’ll discover three distinguishing factors of tribes that thrive (along with a few of my current favorite tribes that have brought me exceptional results!)
“We are physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually hard-wired for connection. And in the absence of connection, there is always suffering.” – Brené Brown
CONNECT THROUGH VULNERABILITY
On a newborn delivery call during my pediatric residency, I was in severe pain. Shuffling to each delivery that night, I looked like a patient, not a doctor. Besides childbirth, it was the most physical pain I’ve ever experienced. Seeing my suffering, my classmate did most of the work. Within hours of finishing our call together, I was in the operating room as a patient just a tunnel’s walk from where we were doctoring the night before.
My pediatric residency class was a sacred tribe. When one of us was “down for the count,” someone else stepped up and rose to the occasion. And the tables always turned. Each one of us had our times of being STRETCHED beyond our comfort zones physically and emotionally. Not one of us was free from self-doubt, embarrassment, or shame. Shared vulnerability glued us together until we crossed the threshold three years later as pediatric physicians.
Thriving tribes stick together through shared vulnerability. As Brené Brown says, vulnerability is ”the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.” By being vulnerable, we open our hearts to give and receive more love. But when we fear getting hurt, we build walls and barriers between ourselves and others. We bunker down behind our heart-wall with ego by our side and think we’re safe. But in the process of protecting ourselves, we block out love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. Vulnerability is the power tool that blasts through our heart walls so that we can reconnect with ourselves, others, and our Creator.
By being vulnerable, we open our hearts to give and receive more love. But when we fear getting hurt, we build walls and barriers between ourselves and others.
RAISE YOUR STANDARDS
A friend commented on my Instagram post, “I’ve seen those arms on you! I want to know your secret!” I owe my tonearms to the #heftribe led by husband and wife Hannah and Paulo. This dynamic duo raised my standards, pushing me forward through killer workouts I’d never do on my own. So does the instructor Robin from #onepeloton. She picks me up, dusts me off, and gives me a little shove by reminding me who I am – powerful beyond measure.
Thriving guides and tribes raise your standards, fuel your growth, and push you to new levels you never thought possible. They make room for all different shapes, sizes, and heart-centered belief systems where diverse thinkers co-exist and co-mingle. Hello, freedom!
In contrast, unhealthy tribes stunt your growth and clip your wings. They annihilate “Y” thinkers because they can only tolerate “X” thinkers. You either force yourself to believe “X” and stunt your growth to stay in the tribe. Or, you continue to think “Y” and keep growing, re-evolving, in another tribe where you can fly!
Thriving guides and tribes raise your standards, fuel your growth, and push you to new levels you never thought possible.
HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE TO PERSEVERE
When my daughter was a preschooler, we have a vivid memory of driving home from soccer practice (shortest career ever!) with the windows rolled down blasting the Sara Evans song ‘Born to Fly’: And how do you keep your feet on the ground / When you know / That you were born, you were born to fly.
Thriving tribes inspire you to fly and keep you grounded in your work to persevere in flight. They ‘keep your feet on the ground’ by checking in regularly to see if you’re doing the daily do. It only takes two to form a tribe. Who could hold you accountable to do the work required to reach your dream?
As a wellness entrepreneur, I have an accountability partner. She believes in my dreams, and I believe in hers. Together, we hold each other accountable to do the required work to get there. Through practice, we build resilience and grit to persevere. We don’t have all the answers. We trust. If we keep showing up and take the best next step in faith, eventually, we’ll fly!
It only takes two to form a tribe. Who could hold you accountable to do the work required to reach your dream?
Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Choose your tribes wisely! Find tribes that allow you to be vulnerable, raise your standards, and hold you accountable to reach your full potential.
#WeAreInThisTogether for #HealthyChange
Rise stronger,
P.S. Wellness is a journey. Don’t crumble before the finish line! Every month I lead a tribe to practice the fundamentals of vibrant health through a 7-Day Reset. We eat, rest, and move for less stress. We supplement our shortcomings. We harness our minds and mindset. We learn to love ourselves more. Most importantly, we connect. And in the process, we heal.
About the Author: Dr. Sue
Sue McCreadie, MD (aka Dr. Sue), is a Pediatric Physician and Breakthrough Coach for Midlife Mamas. For over two decades, she’s helped thousands achieve vibrant health as a wellness expert. Bringing three daughters into this world, she lost four along the way, and crossed the pregnancy finish line a digestive–hormonal–emotional mess. But, over the following decade, she found a deeper meaning for miscarriages, reclaimed vibrant health, and grew emotional resiliency. Dr. Sue is obsessed with living her soulFULL purpose and helping other growth-minded Mamas do the same. She believes we are in this together to rise up, realize our dreams, and feel fulfilled in every facet of our lives.