Wanting Support?

None of us do well in life without the affirmation from someone else which is why those who allow others to prop them up so to speak, know best how to prop others up as well.

There are a variety of ways to brace, advocate, and champion others. Support can take the form of encouraging words, kind actions or even braving our differences with each other.

Every decision we choose to make has a consequence, not just in our lives, but in the lives of those around us. 

When I made the commitment to travel to Creston, B.C. for yoga training, I left my husband for twelve straight weekends. This commitment affected both of us; he worried about me as I traveled the back roads, hoping I’d stay safe; and I longed for his company, conversations and companionship. 

But, at the same time, my husband made all those weekend trips to Canada easy, by saying, “It is a short-term endeavor and not a life-time commitment.” Without his heartening helpful words, I couldn’t have completed my training.

Those who advocate on our behalf see the unseen and the unrealized in us. They are not jealous of what they see as possible for us.  

Most recently, in my public speaking club, one of the members evaluated one of my speeches from a whole new angle. Her perspective was that I was no longer at the club level with my speaking, but rather had moved to a professional level. Though becoming a professional speaker is indeed my goal, she already sees me as what I want to become.

Her words not only raised the bar of how she will now evaluate me as a speaker, but also, how I see myself as a speaker. 

We all desire to be supported, affirmed and encouraged by others, but for this to happen, we have to trust that others are indeed for us and not against us; even when their support comes in the form of what feels contrary. 

My best friend and I experience the contrary in each other. Yet, knowing each other as well as we do allows us to take each other’s challenges as something that will mature us, and not deflate us. 

Why Bother?

Why bother wanting support? I know what it is like to support others and to be supported by others. I also know that none of us do well in life without support. When we allow someone to advise, assist, and advocate on our behalf, our relationships broaden and deepen. Everyone’s life is enriched by supporting one another. 

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who need clarity when it comes to understanding forgiveness. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.