“Finding your tribe is about surrounding yourself with people who pull out the magic in you, support you unconditionally, and make you feel truly alive!”

On the night my husband moved out, I felt a sense of uncertainty, but I also embraced the opportunity for change. I started with cocktails as I packed up his belongings, instead of dwelling on sadness or anger, I found myself in a state of numbness that allowed me to reflect.

In the midst of this transition, my neighbor Julie, whom I had always enjoyed chatting with at the pool, became an unexpected source of support. I often wonder what prompted me to reach out to her that night, but deep down, I believe it was fate guiding me. She turned out to be exactly who I needed, not only then but also for my future journeys.

With Julie came Becca, Patricia, and their wonderful husbands Matt, Mike, and Marvin. New friendships blossomed, and I was thrilled to have a few guys around to lend a helping hand whenever that honey-do list needed a man’s touch or a strong boost!

When Hunter left for college, I told myself it was time to get back in the water. I knew I’d have more time on my hands, and swimming had always been a place where I could clear my head and reset mentally.

So I joined Masters—what used to be my kids’ swim team, but now my own. I thought I was signing up for exercise and a little peace of mind. What I didn’t expect was everything else that came with it.

Somewhere between the laps and early mornings, I found not just myself again, but a community—an incredible group of friends who’ve made this journey even more meaningful than I ever imagined.

One day, while scrolling through the San Ramon Patch, I came across an ad for a new exercise class called Shine. It was a dance class set to fun, upbeat music, and I thought—why not?

That first class was in a small room, hotter than you can imagine—but it was so much fun. And the women? So welcoming, so kind. I was hooked.

What I didn’t realize then was how much this group of women would come to mean to me. Over the next two years—through one of the biggest roller coasters of my life—they didn’t just lift me up, they helped hold me together.

From Wonder Woman week, when Julie found out I was going through a separation… to my first birthday on my own, when Julie, Susan, and Gail took me out to dinner… to my injury, when they showed up with meals and constant check-ins.

Who knew a random article about an exercise class would lead me to more friendship, more support, and more family—adding something so special to my already growing tribe.

These are just some of the people I’ve added to my family over the past two years. I’m so grateful for each and every one of them.

I’m also incredibly lucky to have so many longtime friends and family who have been my rocks through this transition—I’ll be honoring all of you in my next post.

To everyone in my life: I love you for so many reasons, but mostly for being exactly who you are and for the unique light you each bring into my world. 🤍