Empowering Support
by Violet Farah
We are all connected – that’s the very nature of being a human. And while seeking connection and emotional backing right now isn’t the easiest task, your network and support system will always be behind you and you’ll always need them.
Why does support matter?
Lean on
Having someone to lean on is nice, isn’t it? But it’s so much more than that!
Social interactions can have a positive effect on your mental and emotional health. In other words, spending time with the right people will recharge your batteries, help you feel empowered and more satisfied with life and the opportunities it sends your way.
Strong support systems reduce stress and anxiety, they build you up and help you uncover your real potential.
https://www.verywellmind.com/social-support-for-psychological-health-4119970
So, an empowering network is important. But what does it take to bring the right people in your life?
How? How do you build emotional support?
1. Be Selective about the People with which You Spend Time
I like to think of it as an emotional investment.
Be very careful about where and how you invest your emotions. They’re one of the most precious assets in your possession. Will you waste your money and resources on stuff that’s not worth it? No? Then why are you spending time with people that drain you and make you feel emotionally emptied?
It’s time to focus on quality rather than quantity.
The size of your support system isn’t as important as the intentions and character of people in it. Seek like-minded individuals that have similar values, beliefs and goals in life. You should be getting something positive and empowering out of your interactions with others.
This is a truth that most of us uncover as we age. This is why the number of friendships later on in life will usually go down but these connections will remain solid for a lifetime.
https://gazettedubonton.com/health/friends
2. Reach Out
Self-care and emotional support will work only when you actively ask for them.
In other words, you should be prepared to get the backing. If people are trying to assist you when you’re not ready for it, chances are that you’ll turn them down.
Recognize the times when you need to activate the emotional support in your life.
Some of these times may include periods when:
- You feel stressed out
- Life seems to lose meaning and purpose
- There’s a sense of being disconnected and isolated from others
- You’re on a fork road and you don’t know which way to turn
- The difficulties of everyday life become too overpowering to handle on your own
- The vision for the future isn’t as clear as you’d want it to be
- You feel like you need mentorship and guidance from someone who’s been there and who’s done that
That’s when you need to reach out. Let the people you trust know that you need them. If you’re proactive in engaging with your support network, you’ll get the best kind of assistance at the right moment.
3. Give Back
The beauty of support systems is that they work two ways. You can count on your loved ones at times of need. They can also count on you when the going gets tough.
It’s a give and take that creates a beautiful balance.
Giving back to your support network isn’t just about empowering the people you love. It can actually be a part of your healing journey, as well.
Just think about it – how good do you feel when you have a purpose, when you feel that you’ve contributed something valuable to the lives of others? That’s right – giving benefits the people you love and it creates a sense of accomplishment. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
4. Extend Your Support System Beyond the Obvious
For most people, a support system consists of a specific group of people. Parents and relatives, friends, a mentor and some coworkers could be in one’s immediate circle of trusted individuals.
I’ve found out, however, that throughout life emotional needs change. These needs increase the importance of connecting with certain kinds of people that extend beyond the common types of family ties and acquaintances.
A good, strong support system could also include:
- A therapist or a counsellor
- A life coach
- Pastors or other spiritual guides
- Neighbors
- People who share a similar fate as you (for example –women dealing with infertility, cancer survivors, divorced fathers, etc.)
Don’t be afraid to seek out connections with such people. More often than not, the common interests will make the shared journey empowering and enriching for all parties involved.
5. Show Your Appreciation
We all need to feel appreciated. Showing your gratitude for help received in challenging moments will help keep your support system strong.
Gratitude doesn’t have to come in the form of a grand gesture or an expensive gift.
Just letting someone know that they’ve turned your life around will be enough for them to feel appreciated and incredibly happy to be in your life. Don’t be afraid of vulnerability and showing your emotions – they are the glue that hold support systems together.
We hope you find this useful in your search for your valued support system. What are some other ways you value the company you keep?
