
5 Practical Ways to Support Yourself and Others
What to do if you don’t know what to do:
Be the anchor. Grounded, stable, the calm in the storm.
When life happens and the storms roll in, do we react, or can we respond?
There’s a big difference.
A reaction is often instinctive, primal, unfiltered.
(Think: rage, disbelief, shock - all totally valid right now)
A response is often more measured, intentional, purposeful.
Chances are, there’s at least one person in your life right now who needs your reliable steadiness and calm presence.
If we’re ungrounded in ourselves, we can’t be a source of trust and strength and support for others. When we’re unsteady, it’s difficult (impossible) for others to have confidence in us.
And yes, this same wisdom applies to our own personal challenges, as well as the big societal ones. At the root of our unsteadiness, is fear
Fear is a basic survival instinct. It’s written in our DNA for good reason.
Anxiety can keep us ruminating, focusing on future outcomes, most of which never actually happen. Anxiety can be debilitating, and keep us stuck. Ask me how I know…
We can react, or we can respond.
The most loving, supportive, and radical act of self-care you can do right now, for yourself and for others?
Fill your cup first, then pour from your excess.
5 Ways to be the Anchor:
- Know your values, embody what you stand for, and be a source of trust for others
- Practice exquisite, unapologetic self-care: be mindful of what you consume (food, news, other peoples’ energy): protect your boundaries, protect your peace
- Find a balanced, even breath: equal inhales to exhales. This can be especially helpful during times of stress and uncertainty/
- Speak your Truth, and don’t apologize for yourself unless it causes harm to another person (Ahmisa: non-harm, nonviolence). Those who need to hear your message will see you as a beacon of light and hope. Be that person.
- Show up consistently and reliably: be in integrity with your commitments in word in and deed - predictability builds trust
- Recognize your own emotional triggers, and pause between stimulus and response (this is a lifelong practice. Also, ask me how I know …)
How will you choose to respond today?