what is a tribe? when i googled this word, you can only imagine how many definitions showed up and after reading all of them, i liked this one best... "a group of people with similar values or interests." obviously i like plain and simple.
it's also obvious, that i already i have a tribe. my blogging community is my tribe and without all of you, i'd be lost. actually without all of you i'd be doing something other than playing on my computer, maybe making a difference out in the world somehow, but you'd all be missed horribly.
so where am i going with this? well, in my last post, i just barely touched on the idea of a private blog and due to the randomness of that last post, you might have stopped reading after hearing about my kidney stones and missed that section completely.
so to get you up to date, this is where my mind has been wandering lately. we all have our public blogs and that's fantastic, but i often find myself reading how you can't share everything you'd like to share due to the fact that your family and friends read your blog, or there is something going on in your family, but it's not your place to share "their" story, so it doesn't get told or talked about. what if there was a private space where we could be open and honest with each other, talking about the things we can't share on our blogs? when i say things, i mean big things. intimate things. sad things. very personal things. maybe even things you've never shared before with anyone. things like low self esteem, sibling rivalry, sex, being introverted, empty nesting, financial problems, lack of fitting in within your community, being overly sensitive, menopause, fears, jealousies, not feeling like you're enough...and the list could {and will hopefully} go on and on as i ask for your suggestions.
to those of you who told me you'd be interested in this from my previous post, thank you so much, but we don't have enough people yet. i really want this to be a tribe...a girl tribe...where someday we'll all join hands in a circle at the beach and realize just how far we've come.
what do you say, are you in? you can leave a comment or send me a personal email letting me know your thoughts or concerns. all i know for now is that i have a new, private blog with a new banner and it's just sitting and waiting for all of us to come together and have real, down to earth, honest girl time.
oh, and just so i don't confuse you, this blog isn't going anywhere. i'll still be here, offering randomness and goofiness as often as i can.
happy weekend everyone and to all of you mothers out there, bless your heart for everything you have done, are doing and will continue to do to make sure your children are healthy, happy and bringing light into the world you have created for them.
I guess I missed that post, Beth. I am not sure how I feel about the format. I'm intrigued about being part of a girl tribe. I have to think about this. Best wishes for your premise to come to fruition.
ReplyDeleteYou have a good idea to create a girl tribe, and I will stay with your blog here, but won't be joining the new private blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you. I find myself ready to blog something personal and after writing and re-reading it I backspace the entire thing because I don't want to offend someone with a joke or a revelation about myself. Oh yes there are things better left unsaid but what fun is that and how will I ever truly express myself to move forward?
ReplyDeleteWell, you already know I'm in. And I'm also glad you aren't going anywhere, either! Three cheers!
ReplyDeleteI think would really really like that. very new, very public job and I think I can see a need for this kind of place you are creating. Count me in! Amanda
ReplyDeleteThat was supposed to say:
ReplyDeleteI have a very new, very public job...
I'm so glad you'll still be here :-) The problem for me with private internet spaces is that they're not really private, especially if you have a tribe's worth of people attending there. Anyone can copy-paste your words and put them anywhere they want, and the more people involved, the less the trust there can realistically be. I feel horrible saying this, because I want to encourage you - and I DO encourage you, I so much love the idea and I hope it goes well - it's just that I myself am cautious after many years online. But that's just me - and I honestly send you best wishes for the venture!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis has come up on another blog I read. She too thought it would be a nice private space for being able to air with only those who are truly wanting to be a part of that blog. A place to be open and not feel that you might raise some eyebrows with family or casual friends who sometimes read ones blog.
ReplyDeleteI say go for it...how many are you hoping to have in the tribe?
PS....I've been here and there with blogging...taking a break...etc...but I do come and visit and will continue too! You've helped me with photography (of which I'm now considering a new camera)....so grateful to have blog friends who share!
I can't tell you the number of posts I had to remove because my stepmom bought a computer and found my blog. All the rants about my dad had to go buh-bye. I'm definitely intrigued, but how do you develop trust within the new tribe? Many of us won't know each other like we "know" you. I'm in, but it may take me a while to feel comfortable. Does that make sense?
ReplyDeleteI love this idea and would love to be a part of it. How many folks are you thinking for your tribe?
ReplyDeleteAs I've told you the other day, I think it is a good idea, but it probably would work best if you limit the membership. Start off small and increase slowly. Maybe even get approval from your existing membership before adding new members. Be very selective as to who you accept. Maybe even a questionnaire might help you figure out who fits the profile of what you're trying to create. Make it very exclusive. Create a space that makes your members feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts. Good Luck!!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Missed your last mention as I have been somewhat absent from the blogging community lately due to life. ;) I am game for a woman tribe! Absolutely!
ReplyDeleteAnnoyingly, it's hard to respond on my iPad as it keeps locking up my comment before I'm ready to comment! Anyway, I think a girl tribe sounds like a really neat idea and I would be honored to be a tribal member of your new blog if you will have me.
ReplyDeleteI am also in for a girl tribe if you will allow me in, I could have used a few friends this week as my husband and I came to blows(more like shouts and arguments) over his new job and the lack of family time,lack of marriage time, that he seems to be oblivious too because this new job seems to consume him 24/7. So I would love to be able to share without guilt, share to get a fresh perspective.
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea....yes, count me in. Many times in past I've stopped my comments from explaining or saying too much, but a private blog would ease the hesitation. Go for it girl!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea to me.. Count me in..
ReplyDeletebig mama love to your beautiful motherheart:)
ReplyDelete-Jennifer
Great idea, Beth. I kind of like SWCC's comment/idea ... a sisterhood screening of sorts. I don't even know how this could be effectively accomplished. Intriguing, though. I'm in, assuming I pass the screening process. :) A trusted place to purge, encourage, uplift, comfort ... less the guilt. Great idea.
ReplyDeletei like that idea. very much. would like to be part of this tribe, if i fit the criteria. and tribe - i love that word btw.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth I like this idea too. I have not been around much so maybe I won't be allowed in the tribe. Happy Mothers Day.!
ReplyDeleteI am feeling the need for girl tribe. I so wish it would be in person around me. Maybe I have to set an intention for that. But on-line in a "safe" place would be a welcome addition.
ReplyDeleteHere's to finding what we need.
Big Love and Happy Mother's Day beautiful Beth!
I'm in.
ReplyDeletePaula S In New Mexico
thanks for the invite...sounds intriguing. i'd love to be a part of a girl tribe.
ReplyDeleteIm new here, I enjoy your blog, and would also like to join the girl tribe. I used to be a blogger, and would like to again. But as you say certain things can not and should not be posted due to friends and family... so I stopped writing. Life was too full of downs at that time. I would love to join your circle of friends if you want a new friend. Looking forward to this. :-)
ReplyDelete~Cindy Schneider
Hi Beth, I have mixed emotions on this and although I love you and would love an online girl tribe, I'm going to pass. Sharing would be hard for me even in private.
ReplyDeletexoxo jj
I'm new to your blog but not the idea of a tribe. Please visit my space. If you're comfortable with me there, I would love to join.
ReplyDeleteInteresting how much this has stirred up already! I'm in. As much as I'm open to a space that the shitty stuff is safe to talk about, the piece I look forward to is a space where the awesome stuff is safe too. It fascinates me how hard it is to stand in my greatness and plan to use this place for practice.
ReplyDeleteA tribe with you? Count me in. Love you, friend.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea and I've love to join the tribe. It couldn't come at a better time for me! :))
ReplyDeleteI'm just finding some free time to read blogs and I think this sounds like a good idea too. Some blogs only ever touch on the beautiful, wonderful, happy things that go on in their lives and it makes me wonder why my life isn't.
ReplyDeleteI'm in if you'll have me.