Tribe Pride!!!

Taylor doesn't go anywhere without hers. Youngins' like Amandla have their own. What am I referring to? Tribes, or what I more commonly refer to as my framily. This title used to to strictly be used in reference to my friends from college. (Framingham State woot woot!) However, over the years I realized the idea of framily evolved as my friendships with my those I had befriended at good ol' Framingham State. As the years went on our bonds grew in strength and little by little these people became more like family. I realized then that I was rich in framily, I had had a tribe and hadn't even noticed. The people I had brought into my circle and those that had been there from the even beyond that, all created what I now consider somewhat of an extended family.

One thing I have been profoundly blessed with is the amazing people I have in my life. There are people that I go to for advice, people that I go to that make me laugh, people I go to when I need a swift kick in the butt, you name it I have people for it. Now this isn’t meant to be braggy, yes I know a lot of people, but there are very few that I allow into my innermost circle.

I have realized over the years that not everyone is going to be your best friend, and that is OKAY. I am one of those people that once you’re in, YOU’RE IN. But over the time that has come back to bite me once or twice. (I'm sure some of you can relate.) You let people in only to realize down the line that they weren't who you thought they were or you've grown into different people and eventually part ways. Although there have been some people that have come in and out of my life, I have come to terms with the fact that there was something to take away from each and every one of those friendships.

Check out some articles I found on the importance of friendships and what they contribute to your general well-being:

Now what is the main focus of this post, just in case you haven't picked up on it? Let me tell you, it's family, not the one you're born into, not the one you have blood ties, but the family you choose.

My framily consists of people I have legitimately been through thick and thin with. I can go to them no matter how much time has gone by and still be able to pick up where we left off. I have friends that have followed me to my edge and brought me back. They truly want the best for me and support me in all facets, who could ask for anything more? I know I can't.

I feel that it's easy to get hung up on what is considered normal when it comes to familial expectations. You have your friends and you have your family, and those worlds remain separate. But what I'm telling you is that doesn't have to be the case. There are people in this world that you may have bonds that are just as strong as those you are related to. Some may see that as a bad thing, but I don't. I see myself as being fortunate and you should too. Being able to relate to people on that familial level is something to embrace.

What kind of people are in your tribe? I know for me it's people that bring positivity into my life, people that educate me, that make me better, more well-rounded. It's important to be conscious of the type of people you are close to as they are the ones that are nearest to your heart. (Cheesy I know, but true none-the-less.) Surround yourself with those that truly make your heart smile. And to my friends that are a part of my tribe, thank you for making my world a better place.

#YourTribe #FramilyValues #SoulFamily