Hello Friends,

Welcome to the August issue of Finding Your Tribe. If you’ve ever been the go-to party planner, the one who remembers everyone’s birthdays and ensures no one is alone during the holidays, you’re in good company. I’ve always had that “the more, the merrier” vibe. But then life happened—I got married, had kids and suddenly, planning anything beyond a Minnie Mouse-themed birthday party seemed like a distant memory. Friend circles change as we move through different life stages, from our children’s phases to our personal growth journeys.

As my kids have entered their tween years, I’ve had the chance to lift my head out of the sand (sort of) and reflect. Sometimes, it’s a bit sad to see how friendships have drifted apart. I’ve felt grief for the connections lost and even guilt for not nurturing friendships as I perhaps should have. There’s also the disappointment when a friendship you counted on just isn’t there for you. It’s hard not to take it personally, but with (cough cough) age, I’ve realized it’s often not about me. Everyone has their own journey. That old saying, “Every relationship is for a reason, a season, or a lifetime," rings true.

Nowadays, when I plan a gathering, the circle of friends is smaller, and as we get older, making new friends becomes more challenging. That brings us to this issue’s theme: Finding Your Tribe.

Our feature story, “The Power of Community: Finding a Path to Meaningful Connection,” explores how community remains a powerful force for personal and collective well-being, despite society’s increasing emphasis on individualism. Loneliness, as detrimental to health as smoking or obesity, underscores the importance of meaningful connections.

Don’t miss “The Power of Positive Intentions: Transforming Your Life.” In our fast-paced world, positive intentions stand as a beacon of hope and transformation, significantly shaping our experiences and outcomes.

We also have a powerful conversation with Sahadeva Torpy about “A New World of Peace Concert.” This free concert will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on August 29 at The Church of the Holy Trinity on Rittenhouse Square, in Philadelphia. London-based musical director
Sahadeva Torpy shares his insights on this inspiring event.

Our “Pet Posse” article reminds us that, much like the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” it also takes a village to raise a pet. Pet ownership involves a holistic approach, including training, socialization, health care and emotional well-being.

Lastly, don’t miss our “In Search of the Healthiest Diet: Sustenance and Habits Inspired by Blue Zones” article. And since August is the high season for the juiciest peaches, stop by your local farmers market, grab some peaches and enjoy this month’s magazine.

Cheers to the sweet life!

Shae