TRIBE Conference calls us to our better selves. To be present, helpful and brave.
This was the call Jeff Goins, founder of Tribe Writers and Tribe Conference, put out to attendees at #Tribe2017.
The Tribe Conference brings writers, artists and creatives of all stripes – and wannabes – together each year in Franklin, Tennessee (just outside of Nashville) for community-building, collaboration, and conquest of dreams. The energy of this weekend event, now in its third year, is contagious. “It’s like an electric shockwave flows through the weekend,” described one fellow Triber.
I first encountered that electric shockwave last year. The conference impacted me so much I committed to going the next year on the spot. And I’m already signed up for 2018.
Why Would I do This?
Attending the Tribe Conference elevates my soul. It connects me with something very deep burning inside me: an almost insatiable desire to create, to build, to learn, to produce something enduring and meaningful. And then to connect with others who cherish that same desire and are taking steps to ACT.
Jeff’s Tribe Writers online community accomplishes some of that. But as amazing as the virtual world is, there simply is nothing like meeting people you’ve connected with online for the first time and discovering really how awesome they are face-to-face. And that they’re simply real people overcoming real obstacles. This goes for the speakers as well.
One year ago I attended Tribe Conference alone, knowing no one. Though an extrovert, I’d be lying to say I wasn’t apprehensive and scared to enter a hall never having actually met a soul.
A year later, I returned to family. There is hope, life, vibrancy, and momentum here. It is a good place to be, surrounded by people who believe wholeheartedly in the rising tide principle: we can improve together.
How did I Change Over this Past Year?
When I attended #Tribe2016, I watched on the sidelines as Jeff Goins gathered with a group of recently published authors and took a picture with them. That very moment I told myself, “I am going to be among them next year.”
With hard work, lots of faith, trust and prayers – plus a good deal of caffeine – I joined that group this year. I now am a published author of my first (but not my last) book, Jumping Out of the Mainstream: An American Family’s Year in China.
But There’s More.
This year I encouraged a longtime friend of mine with a dream to come as well. Unlike me (but like so many at Tribe), she is an introvert who would rather shy away from something like this. But she stepped out. She now seems to have some wind in her sails when it comes to next steps as well. I’m so proud of her!
Each of the speakers at #Tribe2017 offered so much value onstage and off. They were accessible and eager to connect with attendees. And across the board, they are authentic in their desire to help others along. You could just feel it.
Last year I wrote a post about #Tribe2016 covering what I believed were the most salient points each speaker offered. It was way too long. So, like a well-oiled conference attendee, I’m taking a more streamlined approach: one-liners and graphics.
DOWNLOAD my #Tribe2017 collection HERE. You'll get both an e-book and the individual images to use any way you'd like, no attribution required.
What’s the upshot?
Be present. Be helpful. And be brave!
I realized this same clarion call compels me in how I want to live out my remaining days on this planet.
I endeavor to be present with the people along my journey. I’m imperfect in this, for sure. But I recognize the challenge to be present at #Tribe2017 is one I want to be increasingly true about my life. In this age of digital distraction, I have a long way to go. But it's a goal for me this coming year.
I seek to be helpful. This is true in my daily life, relating with my family and friends, leading up a local outreach to international wives, couples and families, emerging as a published author, and growing our fledgling business CultureWeave into all it can become.
I must be brave. Each day offers its unique set of challenges, some carryovers, some bright spanking new. Regardless, I need to trust to become brave. For, as #Tribe2017 speaker Ishita Gupta shared in her presentation How to turn your mess into your message, “When you don’t push yourself, you feel like a smaller version of yourself.”
And really, who wants that?
Ready for #Tribe2018? Keep your eyes open!
Don't forget to DOWNLOAD my #Tribe2017 collection HERE for free!