Top Tips Tuesday with Toni Barrett

Giving Support Through Tough Times

There is no doubt that tough times have been and will always be around, however the support given through these times can make a complete difference. According to my knowledge support can be defined as any form of help given to an individual whether in good or bad times which always turns out to be beneficial for them. Here are five tips to guide us into supporting our family or friends through tough times.

• Affirmations- these have always proven to be helpful as they make people feel a sense of value. In order to support others we have to be able to have a positive outlook on life. Sharing words of affirmations such as “You can do this” or “Greatness lies within you” surely will make a dark day bright. In most cases you will also recognize that a word of affirmation is returned to you.

• Spread the love- people are diverse thus they love in different forms. Whether through gifts (monetary, birthday, I thought about you today gifts) or a simple text of encouragement, love and care can be passed on from one person to another. What better time to spread love than through tough times?

• Ask how they are doing- I know that most persons have become so private as they are guarding their lives from those they think may use it to gossip. Still, we can share our feelings without getting into the reason we are feeling this way in depth. When we ask how persons are doing we should not take “face value” answers (e.g. I’m good- that is not even a feeling). We need to stop going through the motion and really find out how our family and friends are doing while giving them time to share when they feel comfortable.

• Don’t judge- we tend to have the perception that if someone does not check on us then there is no need to check on them. The truth is, they would really want to but the pressures of life make them constantly forget. I am not making excuses but people are going through some real issues that we know nothing about. They tend to think of others not wanting to burden them with their own problems forgetting that’s the only way they may get help. Don’t judge them; be there. If you remember to call, please call.

• Be there- the human race craves physical interaction. Due to the new Covid-19 measures these interactions are limited nevertheless, I know we can still “be there” in another way. Video calls, video chats, voice calls are just a few things that can be utilized for our friends and family to feel our presence.

Remember, supporting family and friends through tough times can make a world of difference. If you need support through tough times reach out to someone because that’s the only way they will know you need them too. Make a deliberate effort to support someone today. PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

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