Finding My New Tribe

There comes a point in life when you realize that the people you once surrounded yourself with no longer resonate with who you are or where you’re headed. For me, this realization came slowly, like a creeping shadow at first—something just felt a little off. Over time, that feeling built momentum until I suddenly asked myself, “What the hell am I doing here?”

I poured much time, love, and energy into my tribe, believing I had found a community of like-minded individuals striving toward the same goals. The camaraderie and sense of belonging felt good, and for a while, it worked. But as time went on, what I once found inspiring started to feel suffocating. Conversations became surface-level, aspirations diverged, and I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that I was trying to force myself into a mold that no longer fit.

The turning point came when I asked my tribe for help and guidance—and got nothing in response. I had believed that they had my back, that they supported my goals and actions, but the truth was they simply didn’t care. My goals haven’t drastically shifted; they’ve gradually evolved and developed along a greater path. For a while, those goals aligned with the tribe, but now they don’t. I realized I wasn’t just dissatisfied with the lack of direction but we had fundamentally outgrown each other. I simply find it too hard to be satisfied in a domain of “rinse and repeat” when there’s a whole world of options available.

This disillusionment hasn’t come without guilt. How could I walk away from something that was such a big part of my identity? Would leaving mean I was failing—or worse, betraying the people I had shared so many experiences with? These questions have haunted me. For a while, I stayed, hoping things would somehow shift back into alignment.

But the truth is, growth rarely happens in comfort. Staying in a space that no longer serves you only holds you back. It’s taken time, but I’ve finally given myself permission to call it a day and let the lone wolf venture forth into the wilderness.

Leaving won’t be easy. But as I take this step, I’m already finding clarity and the freedom to seek out a new tribe—a group of people whose goals, values, and energy align with mine. Instead of being tethered to what’s familiar, I’m giving myself the opportunity to gravitate toward communities that embrace change and individuality. I’m looking for people who celebrate authenticity, support one another’s growth, and share a genuine desire to create something meaningful.

What I’m learning through this process is that finding your tribe isn’t about proximity or shared history—it’s about connection. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who inspire you to be your best self, not the version of you that fits their narrative. It’s about relationships that challenge you to grow while celebrating who you are at your core.

If you’re feeling stuck or disillusioned, trust that it’s okay to walk away. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is step into the unknown and trust that your true tribe is out there waiting for you. It might take time, but when you find them, you’ll know.

Because instead of dimming your light to fit in, you’ll finally feel like you’ve come home.