Written by contributing blogger, Daniela Forte.

This overly used saying is plastered everywhere on social media, on portraits in stores and in so many others places.  But it’s not just a saying, it’s truth.  Our tribes are a group of like-minded individuals who share the same passions, goals and genuinely care for one another on a level that isn’t found every day.

I do love my tribe.  They have stood by me through so much, the good, the bad and even the downright ridiculous.  They have thrown surprises for me, we have cooked together, they have listened to my broken-record thoughts and helped navigate me through it, they send me funny memes and gifs, laughed with me during randomly planned dinners. 

Last month, I had a birthday and while my own plans for my birthday were relatively quiet overall, my friends took it upon themselves to surprise me with a birthday tea party at a local restaurant here in Connecticut.  It hasn’t been the easiest year and when it comes to my birthday, I usually stress out about what I want to do.  They swooped in and made my 36th year even more memorable than I could have imagined.

I will admit over the years, particularly in my 20s, I struggled with friendships.  People with whom I thought were friends never were.  Some treated me like I never mattered or some treated me like I mattered only when the conditions were right for them.  I was constantly weeding them out as I continued to get older. 

When I look back at those times, I am so glad those people aren’t here anymore.  And I can tell you, I loved them so much, I can still remember how much I loved them, but can’t for the life of me remember why. 

What I’ve learned about friendships over the years is that not everyone will be with you through everything, not everyone can come through the way you expect them to.  You will gain new friends and lose old ones and some will just break your heart. 

What we must remember are the people who are here now, we must remember the ones who have shown compassion and understanding and love when it was needed most.  There is no telling where I or my friends will be in the future, but I have been blessed to have these people here now.

And my tribe aren’t just the intimate group of friends I have, they are all people that surround my life, ones that send me quotes or song lyrics, ones that cheer me on during major life events, just honest-to-goodness down to earth people.

I am grateful for my tribe. 

#radiatedaily

image source – pixabay