@sloanebcollins Tribal Units #familytribes #worktribes #amwriting #MFRWorg

I found myself thinking of tribes yesterday, and how I have been a part of several very different ones over the years. Tribes evolve over the years as your yourself grows and evolve. You leave one tribe, and become involved with another tribe. 

Your initial tribe starts with your immediate family. Once you hit school, you join another tribe. I think my first outer tribe was in 9th grade, with the three friends I was closest to. 

Then high school hit, and I had a few core friends. College brought a new tribe, both girls and boys (the brothers I had always wanted). I'm blessed to be back in touch with a few of those tribal mates now. 

Then my familial tribe expanded when I became engaged. Or I should say exploded, with 6 (SIX!) sisters. The first time I met them all was at Thanksgiving. I had my then-fiancé (now husband of 27 years) tell me about each of his sisters and their families. For two days I rehearsed the sisters' names: Dee, Kathy, Donna, Patti, Brenda, Melissa. Over and over again until it became a mantra: DeeKathyDonnaPattiBrendaMelissa. DeeKathyDonnaPattiBrendaMelissa. DeeKathyDonnaPattiBrendaMelissa. It was so interesting to become a part of this tribe - one totally different from the small family I had growing up. At family gatherings I like to sit back and watch them interacting with each other.  One of these days when I write about a big family, I’m sure I’ll use my experiences with this family as inspiration.  I love this tribe like they are my own sisters. 

Not every job has had work mates become a tribe, but one dear to my heart is one I became a part of at an insurance company. I joined the support department, and we were the ones everyone turned to for a variety of tasks. That was a fun tribe and I'm still friends with several of those inmates...er, tribal members. 

My husband and I moved to Tampa in 1999, and my tribe shrank to 4 ppl (and two cats): hubby, one of my insurance company tribal mates and her husband who happened to move there right before us. I still cherish our friendship with Steve and Debra. They were an important, stable, familiar tribe as we navigated new waters in a strange, humid city. 

My next tribe was formed when I was hired as the executive assistant to the General Manager at the new Neiman Marcus store. Not only did our team bond together over opening a new store from the ground up, but we struggled thru a grand opening just four days after 9/11. They were a special group, and I'm still close with many of them today. 

Our move to Dallas brought several new tribes. I have family from both sides of my parents here, so we are blessed with another familial tribe. 

One of the strongest, closest tribal units I have are my core group of friends at work. These are women who have worked together for many, many years. I'm so blessed to be a part of this group. They are sisters of my heart. The inspiration for this blog post actually came from my friend Stacey. She stopped by my office to give me an awesome crate that she had picked up knowing I collect all things French, and it reminded her of me. 

My writing journey has brought me more close friendships, some of the best ever. As part of the Dallas Area Romance Authors chapter, I've become part of smaller tribes of the big group. From being on the board, to becoming a Plotting Princess, to my critique group, to my 2 best friends Sasha and Suzanne, they are all sisters of my heart. 

As a whole, the romance writing tribe is the biggest and most supportive group of authors. We celebrate successes, drink wine and commiserate over trials, and plot and brainstorm when help is needed. This is one tribe I never want to leave. 

Last but not least is my core tribe: my husband and four cats.  

What about you?  How many tribes are you a part of? How have they shifted over the years?