Finding Your "Tribe"
Gatherings to support, encourage, and remind you that you do not have to go at it alone
When I first became a mom, a friend introduced me to an online community which was an extension of the Mothering magazine. Here, I was able to ask questions, to read the thoughts, worries, and joys of other new mothers, and to gather feedback from seasoned parents which made me feel seen, heard, and supported.
The time I spent there was invaluable.
I know I became a better mother because of those message boards.
I also know it was my own willingness to reach out, to get feedback, and to be open to hearing the stories of others that allowed me to grow and develop, not only as a mother, but as a human being.
An important point to highlight is that this was a community of parents who were dedicated to peaceful parenting, non-violent communication, and questioning the mainstream parenting practices that pitted adults against children. In a word: intentional.
I “found my tribe”, as they say, and by that I mean I was amongst parents who showed up because they were seeking something different. They wanted to change the script they had been given as children about what it means to be a parent. They wanted to shift from a power over dynamic to a relationship that empowered the children in their care.
It was wonderful to be in the presence of so many mothers and fathers across the globe who sought to improve the relationship they had with themselves while also reimagining a parent-child relationship built on awareness, trust, and resolve. But this was not about being in a “tribe” in a tribal sense, it was more about sharing common goals and supporting one another to show up as better parents and more aware people.
Fast forward 20 years later and here I am creating and hosting my own space for parents who are seeking a different way. And I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be in community with so many of you!
Because we are living in a time of unprecedented access to information and ideas, to a variety of voices discussing topics from all angles, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go.
We have so many choices that it can lead to decision fatigue which can simply lead to giving up or shutting down. I GET that and have certainly been known to walk away from all the “talking” for a while.
However, if you are feeling called to be in community with other intentional parents and seek to discuss important topics like well-being, emotional resilience, educational autonomy, and mindfulness, please join me on the playground, The Barefoot Playground, that is.
An Invitation
At lunchtime today, in honor of World Mental Health Day, I am a guest speaker with Mental Health America as a witness to one of my brother’s suffering and addiction. Sadly, he chose suicide and ended his life before his 40th birthday.
I share my story not for sympathy, but for awareness, for ideas, for inspiration, and for healing.
And this evening (OCTOBER 10th) I am hosting a gathering to continue talking about healing and ideas for mental wellness based on Dr. Mate’s recent book, “The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture”.
I want this to be a space to gather outside of the noise of social media. I think of it like a coffee shop meet up to discuss things that matter to us, but virtually.
I hope you can come.
If you have more questions before committing, please visit the details page here.
Click the picture below to take you directly to the sign up page. See you tonight!
*ALSO, I’m sharing information about a gathering that Deena Barselah is hosting today around food freedom. The workshop is entitled: Let’s Talk About Sugar and intends to support you and your family so you can move through “sugar season” with confidence and ease. Find more from about the workshop here. Deena is so knowledgeable and is a great friend to have in your corner!
DETAILS: Monday, October 10th at 6:00pm EST. Join Missy to talk about supporting our children in a toxic culture. Define “toxic culture” and ways we productively self-evaluate and move forward with purpose, meaning, and thoughtful action.
