By Casey Hoskins
Everyone has one and, in some cases, it is quite big. In my case, it is not. I tend to be a solitary creature, always over-thinking, always being critical of myself and always feeling like the square peg. Most of the time I think (see, over-thinking) it is because I am a dreamer and the only place I feel totally comfortable is in my own head. There is so much wonder in this world, so many paths to take, and ideas to follow that I often wonder if one life is enough. That is a subject for another time though. Today, I want to talk about finding your tribe, your people, your fellow nerds, bakers, sewers, comic book readers, musicians, etc.
As many of you know, I have a passion for sewing, especially when it is tied to furniture. When I first decided this was a path I wanted to take I had to hunt people up because where I lived sewing was not a thing many did. My little bubble grew to include a few others that had a sewing machine, but I never found anyone that had the heart for it like I do. It wasn’t until I chose to go into upholstery that I figured out what I was really looking for. My tribe needed to be full of like-minded folks who were passionate about their trade. It did not matter what that trade was, I was drawn to their devotion for it. My world opened up! For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged and the world I was becoming a part of was full of color, inspiration, and love.
Jumping ahead a few years, my family and I made the decision to move to Weiser. We were only coming from Star, ID, but still, it was a move. I worried that this new circle of mine was going to diminish and I had just found it. Turns out, Weiser is exactly where I was supposed to be. There is so much talent in this town, it is unbelievable. My sister-in-law found a spot across the street from her where I could open a space and do what I loved on a bigger scale. Taking the leap to open a shop was the best move I have ever made! I now have friends work with metal, wood, fabric, paint, dye, herbs, flowers, scents…the list goes on. Not only are these people passionate about what they do but they recognize my need to do what I do and come along side me in the most encouraging way.
All of us have troubles, obstacles, and storms we have to work through. One of mine happens to be a child with special needs. You know what I have found surrounding myself with people that are like-minded? They all have some sort of hardship that made them push to do what they do as I did. You may be reading this and thinking, “duh”, but when you grow up thinking you are on your own this is not so clear. I did not know the amount of positivity that could be found in searching for others to share in my joy and my struggle. Again, I was most comfortable in my own company. It has been an amazing experience for me to get to know and learn from so many wonderful individuals who have been so willing to share their lives with me. I still over-think just about everything and have to remind myself that hiding is not the key to happiness or success, but I am definitely more open now then I have ever been.
Our worlds are absolutely in a state of flux right now with no end in sight. Take the time to acknowledge what you are feeling, know that it is okay to be down for a minute, but you cannot live there. We are all in this together. (I hear some of you chucking and that one guy who just sighed and rolled his eyes…I see you!) Find your tribe, and if you have done that already, do not forget to let them in on how you are doing, and encourage them to do the same. Find the joy folks! It’s there, I promise!
