4/21/2012

S is for Support

No matter what kind of transition we're dealing with, and there are many both good and bad, it helps to have a support network.

Planning a move?  Having a baby?  Deciding what college to attend?  Are you an aspiring author?  Becoming a step parent?  Has someone you love died?  We all need support.


If you are going through a transition, here is a short list of support suggestions. Not all of them will be applicable for every situation.

  • Find someone to talk to.  A shared burden always feels a little lighter. 
  • Ask for help, don't be afraid, don't feel ashamed.
  • Let people know specifically what you need.  Others aren't always aware of what type of help would benefit you most.
  • Go online.  Depending what your transition is, the information you need to make the best decision may be a Google search away and you just might find a forum full of experts to consult or a great online group to join.
  • Get help from a professional.  I don't just mean spiritual or medical help, but hire a home organizer if you need to whip your house into shape in order to sell it.
  • Look for a support group in your area.  Do you have a special needs child, an alcoholic parent, a physical handicap?  There are support groups available for all these situations and more.
  • Reciprocate.  If you know others facing a change or challenge similar to yours, perhaps looking for a job, help each other by exchanging job tips and networking information or reviewing each others resumes.
You don't have to fight your battles, move your mountains or swim upstream alone.  Look for support and in turn, when you are able, provide support for others.

What suggestions would you add to the list?






12 comments:

  1. Good suggestions...just harder to do than to tell someone else to do...at least for those of us who are used to being the Help-er and not the Help-ee... It's not easy these days, especially since sooo many are hurting... Hard to help when you are drowning...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is why we have a Savior, L., to keep us from drowning.
      I agree, there are so many hurting people.

      Delete
  2. These are some good tips. Sometimes we can't just get by on our own and it's good to have someone to help us through tough time. And your point about returning that support to others in need is an especially good one.

    Lee
    Places I Remember
    Wrote By Rote
    An A to Z Co-host blog

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great tips. The only thing I would add is to take care of yourself by exercising, and don't forget to take nice deep breaths now and then.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 100% agree, now, if I only didn't hate exercising so much (See A-Z E for Exercise).

      Delete
  4. I've always been one to give support and to ask for help when needed. I've taught my kids this as well. I've never understood why some people consider asking for help as a weakness because in my experience the benefit of getting and giving support is building relationships.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You sound like such a great mom! I think some of us don't like to admit when we're weak.

      Delete
  5. An excellent post for letter S, so true in what you say.

    Thanks for following me, much appreciated.

    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Elizabeth,
    You could not have said it better. There is no human that will not need love and support from someone else. We were created to bond and care for each other. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love these ideas - all of which are indeed helpful for anyone making any type of transition in life. I always find that talking to others helps keep things in perspective.
    Dawn

    ReplyDelete