R U OK?

A question most people tend to steer away from or are too scared to ask and explore more about?

Today, and every other day, particularly now with all that's going on in the world, It's really important to take the time out and find out if people around us are doing okay.

This lets them know that they're not alone and that someone has their back.

Not sure how to do that? Don't know what to say? That's ok...

Here are some tips.

1. Make sure firstly, that you''re in the right frame of mind

2. Avoid any judgment/confrontation -(we all deal with things in different ways)

3. Clarify (most people are looking to be understood)

4. Acknowledge (don't share a solution or make it about yourself even if you can relate or you've had a similar experience)

6. Ask great questions, relevant questions.. (this gives you permission to explore and support)

Questions allow us to better understand the reality of another.

Some questions:

?What's happening...

?Is it ok if I ask you a question

?Tell me more about that

?How can I help

?Is there anything I can do for you

Validate with power:

??I'm here for you

??It's ok to feel like that

??That sounds really challenging

??Yeah that's really crap (it's ok for it to feel crap)

Validation is key and it lets people know that they matter and that they're worthy.

We don't always have to have the answer....it's not about that.

People sometimes just need someone to simply listen to them without an agenda.