We're All In This Together, Aren't We?

The Art of Support, Giving and Receiving

Let's have a proper chat. We’re all juggling a million things, aren’t we? Deadlines, family, that persistent feeling you’ve left the oven on (even though you haven’t), and the general hum of modern life. It’s a lot. And, frankly, we all need a bit of support more often than not. And, equally, we all have the capacity to give it.

We often fall into the trap of thinking we have to be invincible, these stoic pillars of strength. We’re supposed to have it all sorted. But, truth be told, that’s a load of rubbish. We’re human, and humans need support. It’s not a weakness; it’s a fundamental part of being connected.

Think about it. You might be struggling with a tricky project at work. Perhaps you’re dealing with a personal issue that’s weighing you down. Or maybe you’re just feeling a bit…off. That’s when reaching out to a colleague, a friend, or even a mentor can make all the difference. Just a simple, “I’m having a bit of a rough time, fancy a cuppa?” can be a lifeline.

I'm a time when I was managing a particularly complex project. The deadlines were tight, and the team was under a lot of pressure. I was trying to shoulder everything myself, thinking I had to be the strong one. But, eventually, I cracked. I admitted to my manager that I was struggling, and you know what? He didn’t judge me. He simply listened, offered some practical advice, and reminded me that we were a team. That support, that simple acknowledgement, made all the difference.

Vulnerability isn't weakness; it's courage. And asking for help is a sign of strength, not the opposite.

It’s not just about receiving support. It’s about giving it too. We all have something to offer. It might be a listening ear, a bit of practical advice, or simply a kind word. Sometimes, it’s just knowing when to step back and let someone know you’re there if they need you. My daughter, who lives abroad, is really good at this. When she needs support, she reaches out to family and trusted friends and simply asks for it. She tells us she's in a difficult space and needs to have a video call. It's taught me, who tends to keep my struggles to myself, to follow suit.

Think about the colleague who’s clearly stressed out. A quick, “Is everything alright? Can I take something off your plate?” can be incredibly impactful. Or the friend who’s going through a tough time. A simple, “I’m here for you,” and actually being there, can mean the world. It's one of the wonderful advantages of living in a small community. We need each other's help quite regularly.

Giving support isn’t always easy. Sometimes, you might feel like you don’t have the time or the energy. But, trust me, the benefits are immense. It strengthens your relationships, it boosts your own sense of well-being, and it creates a more supportive and collaborative environment for everyone.

Of course, there are challenges. We might be afraid of being judged, or we might not know how to ask for help. We might worry about burdening others or feel awkward about offering support. But, the more we normalise these conversations, the easier it becomes.

Consider the recent rise in awareness around mental health in the workplace. Companies are increasingly offering mental health resources and training, recognising that supporting employees’ well-being is not only the right thing to do but also good for business. That's a huge step in the right direction.

And let’s not forget the power of informal support networks. A simple group chat with your team, a regular catch-up with friends, women's circles, or even just a shared hobby or sport can create a sense of community and belonging.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture of support, where we’re all looking out for each other. We’re all in this together, aren’t we? So, let’s be kind, let’s be supportive, and let’s remember that we’re all just trying to navigate this crazy thing called life. And sometimes, a bit of support is all we need.

I have found tremendous support in online communities too and am seriously considering starting one myself. If you would be interested in joining, please let me know by commenting on this post.