My Tribe

I am currently reading a great book called "Finding Your Own North Star" by noted author and life-design coach Martha Beck, PhD. In the chapter I read yesterday she talked about the importance of spending as much time as possible with your tribe. This really struck a chord with me, as I certainly understand the importance of one's tribe now that I'm constantly on the move.

Your tribe is made up of like-minded good friends who are a part of your life - whether in person or in spirit, and whether life is on the upswing or down the tubes - your tribe is always ALWAYS there for you.

Sorry if I'm sounding a little sappy... I'm in one of those moods. Since I've been away from work and my daily dose of girl talk, it's become wildly apparent to me how much I miss and love my friends. I don't say this often, but I am truly blessed to count so many.

Speaking of which, today I had a call today from my girl Debbie. Debbie lives in Raleigh with her husband Brian and their three little kids Anna (5), Bryson (3 1/2), and Isa (6 months). Debbie and I worked together in Baltimore between 2002 - 2003 and had an INSTANT connection when she first arrived. We shared an office for about a year, and most of that time she was miraculously pregnant with her first child, Anna.

It was an amazing experience to go through her pregnancy, day in and day out. It was especially helpful for me to have something to focus on other than myself because at that time in my life I had become severely depressed. There were a lot of days when Debbie was the only reason I got out of bed to go to work in the morning because I knew I could make it through the day with her bright and beautiful soul there to cheer me on.

I cried - er, sobbed, the day she told me she was leaving to move back to Raleigh. It was a very, very dark day for me - but she and Brian have prospered since moving back, and now they have not one miracle baby, but THREE! Truly, I could not be more happy for them and I can't wait to see her the next time I go to Raleigh!

Here's a picture of Debbie - with Brian in the background - when they were in the UK a few years ago: To all my dear friends - you know who you are! Spread out all over the place - thank you for enriching my life. Hugs.