How to Find Your Tribe: Building a Network of Supportive Friends

How to Find Your Tribe: Building a Network of Supportive Friends

Finding your tribe – those people who truly get you, have your back, and make you feel seen – can be life-changing. It’s all about building a network of friends who genuinely support you, share your values, and want to see you succeed. While it might seem like finding these people should happen naturally, a little intentionality can go a long way in creating a community that lifts you up.

1. Start with Self-Discovery

Before you go out searching for “your people,” take a moment to understand who you are. What are your core values? What interests light you up? When you’re clear about your own identity, it’s much easier to connect with people who vibe with the real you. Plus, the more authentic you are, the more likely you’ll attract genuine connections.

2. Embrace Your Interests

One of the easiest ways to meet like-minded friends is by pursuing activities you’re passionate about. Love books? Join a book club. Are you into fitness? Hit up a yoga class or sign up for a local running group. Shared interests make a solid foundation for building connections, and you’re more likely to meet people who share your enthusiasm for life. Don’t be afraid to explore new hobbies too – it’s a great way to expand your social circles.

3. Engage in Group Activities

Sometimes, putting yourself out there in a group setting can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways to meet a range of new people at once. Look for local events, classes, or meet-ups in your area. Sites like Meetup or community boards can help you find activities that match your interests. Remember, everyone else is likely looking to connect too, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation!

4. Show Up Consistently

Building meaningful friendships takes time, so show up consistently. Attend regular events or activities where you’re likely to see the same people. Familiarity breeds connection – the more you show up, the more natural it’ll feel to start chatting and building friendships. Make an effort to follow up, too. Send a text after meeting someone interesting or invite them to an upcoming event.

5. Be Open and Vulnerable

Authenticity goes both ways. Don’t be afraid to be a little vulnerable – share a bit about yourself, your challenges, or your dreams. When you open up, you create space for others to do the same. This builds trust and can help deepen friendships faster. Just remember to respect others’ boundaries and meet them where they’re comfortable.

6. Practice Generosity

Supporting others is the foundation of a strong tribe. Offer help when you can, celebrate your friends’ wins, and be there for them during tough times. When you give without expecting anything in return, you create a positive energy that people naturally want to be around. Generosity and kindness are magnets for authentic connections.

7. Stay Patient and Positive

Finding the right people isn’t always immediate, and that’s okay! Sometimes you’ll meet people who don’t quite fit, but that’s part of the process. Keep putting yourself out there, stay true to yourself, and trust that your tribe is out there. A positive, open attitude makes you approachable and helps you enjoy the journey.

In the end, finding your tribe is about creating a community where you and your friends feel supported, uplifted, and encouraged to be yourselves. So get out there, be open, and remember: the right people are looking for you, too! Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

Spotting ADHD and Getting Help

Spotting ADHD and Getting Help

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is more common than you might think. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people of all ages, and it can make everyday tasks—like focusing, organizing, and finishing things—feel like running a marathon. Recognizing ADHD in yourself or someone else can be challenging because it often looks different from person to person. Here’s a quick guide to help you spot signs of ADHD and understand what to do next if you think it might be a part of your life.

Recognizing ADHD Symptoms

ADHD is generally categorized by two main types: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people show traits of both types (combined type), while others lean more toward one side.

Inattention Symptoms

These are the “spacey” symptoms that can make it hard to stay focused. People with ADHD often:

  • Have trouble focusing on tasks, especially ones they find boring
  • Frequently make careless mistakes in work or school
  • Seem to “zone out” in conversations or meetings
  • Have a hard time organizing tasks, like planning steps for a project
  • Often lose things like keys, phones, or important paperwork
  • Get easily distracted, even by small things around them

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms

This is the classic “can’t sit still” part of ADHD. It often shows up as:

  • Feeling restless, fidgeting, or tapping hands and feet
  • Talking a lot, sometimes without realizing it
  • Interrupting others frequently in conversations
  • Acting on impulse (think impulse shopping or risky behaviors)
  • Difficulty waiting for their turn in lines or group activities
  • Jumping from one task to another without finishing

Additional Signs

ADHD can show up differently in adults versus children. Adults might struggle more with keeping a regular schedule, managing their time, or remembering tasks. For kids, it’s often more obvious in school, where focus and following rules are big parts of the day.

What to Do if You Think You or Someone You Know Has ADHD

If you’re spotting these signs, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to find help.

1. Talk to a Doctor or Mental Health Professional

This is the best first step. A general doctor can refer you to a specialist (like a psychologist or psychiatrist) who is trained in diagnosing ADHD. They’ll ask about symptoms, any struggles in school or work, and might even give you some questionnaires to fill out.

2. Consider an Evaluation

For both kids and adults, an evaluation is usually required for a formal diagnosis. This can involve interviews, behavior assessments, and sometimes cognitive tests. While this can sound intimidating, it’s really about helping you understand your unique brain better.

3. Explore Treatment Options

There are several effective treatments for managing ADHD, including:

  • Behavioral Therapy: Learning coping strategies, like breaking tasks into smaller steps or using reminders, can be really helpful.
  • Medication: Some people benefit from stimulant or non-stimulant medications that can improve focus and reduce impulsivity.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and routines that keep you organized can also make a big difference.

4. Build a Support System

Whether it’s family, friends, or support groups, having people who understand what you’re going through can help you feel less alone. There are many online communities and in-person groups that provide support, encouragement, and resources for people with ADHD.

Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

Don’t Have All the Information? How to Make Better Decisions With Limited Information

Don’t Have All the Information? How to Make Better Decisions With Limited Information

We’ve all been there — stuck trying to make a decision when the information we need is missing. It feels like a guessing game, and it’s frustrating. But here’s the thing: decision-making without complete information is a common situation. You just need a few tricks up your sleeve to handle it confidently. Let’s dive into how to make better decisions when you’re in the dark.

1. Embrace Uncertainty

First off, let’s accept that uncertainty is part of life. Waiting for all the details to magically appear usually means missed opportunities. The key is to embrace the fact that you won’t know everything and still be okay with it. This mindset helps reduce stress and opens up your creativity. You’ll feel less paralyzed and more ready to act.

2. Prioritize What You Know

Start by laying out what you do know. Even if the bigger picture isn’t clear, focus on the concrete facts you have in front of you. Then, figure out what’s most important. What’s the dealbreaker here? What is non-negotiable for you? Highlight the pieces of information that will have the biggest impact on your decision. This helps you avoid overthinking small details that don’t really matter in the long run.

3. Seek Out Diverse Perspectives

When information is scarce, getting opinions from other people can make a huge difference. They may have insights or experiences that can fill in some gaps. Talk to others who have been in similar situations or who can look at the problem from a different angle. This will help you see things you might have missed on your own.

4. Use Probabilities

Not everything has to be 100% certain for you to make a decision. Instead of looking for a yes-or-no answer, think in terms of probabilities. Ask yourself, “How likely is it that this will work out?” and go from there. If something is 70% likely to succeed, that’s a strong enough reason to move forward rather than waiting for 100% certainty.

5. Set a Time Limit

Don’t fall into the trap of decision paralysis. Set a time limit for how long you’ll give yourself to decide. This forces you to make a move instead of endlessly weighing pros and cons. A deadline gives you structure and prevents overanalyzing.

6. Trust Your Gut (Sometimes)

Your instincts are often based on patterns and experiences you’ve gathered over time. When facts are scarce, trusting your gut can help. This doesn’t mean being reckless, but if you’ve weighed what you know and your gut is nudging you one way, it might be worth listening.

7. Plan for Flexibility

You don’t need to make a perfect decision. What you want is a decision that works for now, with room to adapt later. Plan for flexibility by considering backup options or ways to adjust if things change. A decision that’s adaptable will reduce the pressure to get it “right” the first time.

Do you have any tips on how to make better decisions with limited information? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

How To Survive Being Overwhelmed: Tips to Survive the Age of Constant Information

How To Survive Being Overwhelmed: Tips to Survive the Age of Constant Information

Feeling overwhelmed by a flood of ideas or responsibilities is something many of us experience, especially in today’s fast-paced world. With constant access to information, inspiration, and distractions, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. But fear not—there are simple strategies that can help you regain control. Here are a few tips to stay calm, focused, and organized when the overwhelm hits hard.

1. Filter What’s Important

One of the first steps to overcoming overwhelm is recognizing that not everything demands your attention. It’s tempting to think we need to respond to every idea or task, but this only creates more pressure. Ask yourself: “What truly matters?” Focus on the things that align with your goals, values, and priorities. It’s okay to let some things go or to say no to ideas that don’t serve your current needs.

2. Break It Down

Big ideas can seem intimidating, but breaking them into smaller steps makes them more manageable. Instead of thinking about how to tackle everything at once, choose one piece to work on first. This not only makes the task less daunting but also builds momentum as you accomplish each smaller goal. Think of it like a puzzle—piece by piece, you’ll get closer to the finished picture.

3. Declutter Your Mind

Overwhelm often comes from the sheer amount of information we hold in our heads. To combat this, try “brain-dumping” all your thoughts onto paper or a digital note. Once everything is written down, it becomes easier to sort through, prioritize, and figure out what actually needs your attention. By decluttering your mind, you give yourself room to breathe and think more clearly.

4. Use Technology Wisely

While technology can be a great tool, it can also be a major source of overwhelm. Notifications, emails, and social media can distract you from what’s important. Set boundaries with your tech use. This could mean turning off non-essential notifications, setting specific times to check your email, or using apps that help you stay organized instead of scattered. Use tech to your advantage, not as another source of stress.

5. Be Kind to Yourself

Overwhelm often leads to frustration and self-criticism. It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough or that you’re falling behind. However, being hard on yourself won’t help. Instead, practice self-compassion. Understand that feeling overwhelmed is normal, and it’s okay to take a break or ask for help. Give yourself credit for the progress you’re making, no matter how small.

6. Rest and Recharge

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of rest. Overwhelm can easily snowball if you’re constantly burning the candle at both ends. Taking time to rest, whether that’s through sleep, meditation, or simply stepping away from work, allows your brain to reset. When you come back to your tasks, you’ll feel more refreshed and capable of handling them.

Do you have tips to stop being constantly overwhelmed? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

How to Strengthen Your Creative Muscles

How to Strengthen Your Creative Muscles

Creativity isn’t just something you have or don’t have; it’s like a muscle that you can work on and strengthen over time. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or just someone who wants to approach problems more creatively, there are ways to flex those creative muscles. Let’s dive into a few simple ways to boost your creative powers.

1. Build a Routine Around Creativity

One of the best ways to strengthen your creative muscles is by building a routine. Many people think creativity is all about spontaneity, but in reality, structure can help you thrive. By creating a daily or weekly time slot where you focus solely on creative activities, you’ll naturally begin to see ideas flow more easily. This could be writing, sketching, or brainstorming ideas for projects.

The key is consistency. Even if you’re not feeling super inspired, sitting down to create something regularly can help you get into a flow state. Over time, this habit will make creativity feel like second nature.

2. Push Through the Boredom

Creativity often comes in waves. Sometimes, you’ll feel a rush of inspiration; other times, you’ll feel stuck. A helpful tip is to push through those moments of boredom or creative blocks. The magic often happens after you’ve pushed past the point where you feel like quitting.

Author Steven Pressfield refers to this as “resistance.” It’s the idea that the greatest challenge is just sitting down and doing the work. By pushing past the initial boredom, you open yourself up to new ideas and perspectives you might not have reached if you gave up too soon.

3. Consume Inspiring Content

Another great way to strengthen your creativity is by exposing yourself to different types of content. Whether it’s reading books, watching movies, or listening to podcasts, taking in diverse ideas can spark fresh thoughts of your own.

Try stepping out of your comfort zone and consuming content in areas you’re unfamiliar with. If you’re a designer, read a book on psychology. If you’re a writer, watch a documentary about nature. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to unexpected bursts of creativity.

4. Take Breaks and Disconnect

Sometimes the best way to get creative is by doing… nothing! In a world where we’re always connected, stepping away from your devices can help your mind reset. Taking a walk, meditating, or even daydreaming can give your brain the space it needs to process thoughts in a new way.

Studies show that our brains continue to work on problems even when we’re not actively thinking about them. So, give yourself the freedom to take breaks, and you might find that creative solutions come when you least expect them.

5. Collaborate with Others

Creativity thrives in collaborative environments. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, or have different skill sets. Working with others allows you to see things from a new angle, and sometimes just bouncing ideas off someone else can lead to your next big breakthrough.

Whether you’re joining a creative community or just chatting with a friend about your project, collaboration can be a powerful tool for expanding your creative horizons.

Do you have tips on how to strengthen your creativity muscles? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp