Today I would like to discuss the importance of support. Support is vital for our well-being. As humans, we crave connection, understanding. And especially in our dark moments, we need those things. We need those sounding boards to discuss thoughts and ideas. We need hugs of reassurance when we don’t feel sure. We need our closest people to remind us who we are when we feel lost.
This support and connection takes many forms and our support network is on a spectrum from not so close, to extremely close. “Not so close” might be coworkers or the barista you say hello to at your local coffee shop. Then you might be slightly closer to neighbors, some relatives, parents of your children or friends of friends. Then moving closer, your friends. Then “Extremely Close” might be close friends, close family members, or partner. Only you know who these supports are for you.
Support Examples:
Coworkers
Friends
Acquaintances
Neighbors
Partner, Boyfriend/Girlfriend, or Spouse
Relatives (Grandparents, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Etc.)
Close Family (Siblings, Parents, Etc.)
Higher Power Support (God, The Universe, Mother Nature, Etc.)
Local Communities (Religious Community, Yoga Community, Etc.)
Now you might be thinking that you don’t have support or that your support network is lacking. That is okay; I have been there! Maybe you have moved recently, had a falling out with your friends or family, or are in a transition period in your life (school, career, etc.). Below are some ways that you can begin to expand your support system!
Ideas to expand your support network:
The Meet Up App or http://www.meetup.com/
Meet people doing what you love! Do you enjoy cooking, sipping lattes, biking, meditating, hiking, photography, concerts, gardening, the arts??? MeetUp has a vast amount of events of people getting together and speaking about their passions and having fun doing what they enjoy! Find an event you will love today!
Your local YMCA (http://ymca.org/) or Gym
Workout, swim, enjoy group classes and more.
If your single and open to dating meet people on Dating Apps or Websites:
Tinder, Coffee Meets Bagel, Bumble, Etc.
Make a profile, meet new people and have some fun!
You choose a date that suits you: dinner, coffee, drinks, etc.
Follow Your Local Yoga or Cycling Studio on Instagram!
Many studios you might be a part of offer fun events, especially in the summer time! My local yoga studio offers movie or ice-cream nights, special meditation and yoga workshops, and artistic events such as mandala making, macramé or an astrology class.
Many of these studios not only offer fitness classes but the opportunity for a wonderful community surrounding wellness.
Join or Start a Club!
Create or join a get together with friends where you can potluck with some yummy food and enjoy a common interest: book club, run club, game nights, barbecue/grill night, hiking club, join a community garden, etc. Get creative!
Meet more friends through your current ones!
Most likely you have one friend, family member, or coworker where you live that you can meet up with. Ask this person to set up a night out to enjoy appetizers somewhere or see a concert where they invite friends that they can introduce you to! If staying in is more your thing, offer to have people over and provide some tapas (some are as easy as popping in the oven!) and beverages. Be courageous (even if it’s not your norm)…talk about yourself, your interests, and ask people about them; get to know them!
“A best friend is the only one that walks into your life when the world has walked out.” ― Shannon L. Alder
Do not forget to be kind and patient with yourself during this process. Building a support network, building a friendship or a relationship takes time. Be mindful of healthy boundaries, breathe and try to enjoy the journey.
Be well,
Nora
