What is the significance of building and nurturing a support network and what steps do we take to create one that supportive.
Having a great support network will help empower and sustain you through life. It’s similar to a safety net when life gets challenging. It is an important part of your self-care journey.
You can begin by paying close attention to the type of support that you require. You may need more than one type of support. For example: you may need a professional, family, mentors, close friends, support groups, etc. Everyone is different; however, each connection will bring something different to the table and it all will help and support you.
All relationships are different as well. Some are healthy and some are unhealthy. Your goal is to foster healthy ones and simply walk away from what is not healthy. Create goals that support your journey and only allow relationships that support those goals. The connections you make should support and build you up. Trust, open communication, boundaries, mutual respect are all characteristics that should be displayed both from you and your support system..
There are many ways to build a support network, you can make it as diverse as you would like. It does not have to be just personal or intimate connections. You can join communities, local groups that have the same interests as you or that they also focus on their well-being. Online forums are good too. Either way you will feel like you belong there when you find one that is on the same path as you.
Now let’s look at some action steps that you can take when you are ready:
When fostering a connection, be yourself and make sure that you express what you need openly.
Don’t be afraid to reach out first and initiate a connection through joining a group that resonates with you or by reaching out to an acquaintance.
A support network is not just there to support you, you must support others as well and practice active listening and show that you are there for them as well. This will create a cycle of care withing the group.
I hope this post brought you some insight on building a support network.
To your self-care,
Tysheena