The Trailhead

Each month, you will receive some practical tips on ideas such as eliminating stress, finding your passion, clearing clutter, and maybe even some travel tips and more. Also look for helpful resources including book titles and websites. In addition, don’t be surprised when you find a call to action. I am a coach, after all! I hope you find some useful tidbits monthly challenges. If you know someone that you think may find something of value in here, please forward this newsletter on. And remember…the adventure begins at the start of The Trailhead!

Welcome to March! It’s a gorgeous sunny day here in the Northeast. The daffodils are beginning to make their appearance. The snow is gone and after taking an invigorating hike yesterday, it’s clear that the winter woods are reawakening. A new season is upon us!

While on that hike, my favorite hiking partner and I noticed others enjoying the forest…folks with families, folks with their dogs, folks enjoying the company of others. The commonality was that everyone we saw together seemed very happy in their environment, especially with who they were with. They likely made choices that day to be with who they hung out with. They were with their tribe…and I was with mine. My dictionary lists many definitions for the word “tribe”. One is: “a set of persons, esp. one with strong common traits or interests”. That’s who I saw…and their common interest was clearly their love for the outdoors.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to hang out with an extraordinary group of women for 5 days…our commonality was that we were all Retreat Coaches…who love to bring others outside in Nature; for fun, adventure, and self-exploration. During our brief time together, we learned a lot from each other. Additionally we hiked together, sang together, had meals together, and laughed together. These women became my tribe; my personal and chosen community for those 5 days. We formed a bond that will remain unbroken even as we return to our regular life.

I’m very grateful: I have various tribes. They include my husband and family, my Solstice Sisters, my other close women friends, and my Coaching network. It may be similar for you; perhaps you have developed a number of different tribes or chosen communities. These are the people you choose to hang out with who have similar interests and styles of communicating: the people you feel totally authentic with. They may include your co-workers, friends, or special interest groups. And if you’re lucky; it may include your family. I think the best kind of community is the one where you are valued for being YOU, instead of a role you may play. It’s the tribe that brings out the best in you….and vice versa. It’s the one where you get positive energy and feedback.

What about YOU? Who is in YOUR tribe? Are you energized by them in a positive way? And do you give that back to them? Who gets to play in YOUR community or tribe? What community(s) do you choose to be a part of? Do you need to upgrade your current tribe for it to reflect who you really are and who you really want to be? Who can you become because of your involvement in your tribe? The choice is up to you.

Challenge at the Trailhead + a Resource

First, take a look at your own tribe/community. Is it perfect as it is? Are any upgrades needed? Next, take the Ten Steps to Deepen Your Community. (Thanks to Coach U) Then, bask in the warmth of the tribe you have attracted. You have come home.

10 Steps to Deepening Your Community

1. Determine who and what comprises your existing community, or communities.

2. Draw a picture of your communities and show how they interrelate.

3. Examine the benefits you gain from being part of these communities, as well as potential drawbacks or roadblocks to your future development.

4. After you have honestly evaluated your existing community structure, do the benefits far outweigh the negatives?

5. Evaluate whether or not you should be part of these existing communities, and make choices and commitments to either strengthen some, remove yourself from some, or develop new ones altogether.

6. What do you offer to others as part of these existing or new communities?

7. What concrete steps can you take today, right now, to be exactly where you want to be within community?

8. Are there tolerations built into your existing communities? How can you eliminate them?

9. How can your ideal communities overlap, benefit from each other and strengthen you so that your energy is not diverted and scattered between communities?

10. Understand that you will always be part of a community, or several, but that the choice is yours.

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Check out my newest retreat…It’s called” Face Your Fears: Challenge Yourself to New Heights”. You’ll be experiencing the Challenge Course and an exciting Zip Line ride through the treetops at Medford, NJ’s Camp Ockanickon while taking part in an inspiring PlayShop. There are just 3 spots left….reserve your place today if you want in.

Click on “2007 Outdoor Retreats” on the sidebar at www.adventurecoach.com for more info