Why You Need a Support Team

For years I have taught a class where we complete a support team exercise.   Everyone writes down the people in their support system.  When I say support team, I want you to think of people who give into your life, whether it be thru encouragement, sharing some great advice, making you feel safe or just sharing fun times.  This is your support team!

It always saddens me when I see people struggle with this exercise or simply have no one to put down.  This shouldn’t be.  Everyone needs someone in their corner.  So today, I want to talk about why it is so important to have a support team. Later in the week, I will share some ideas on how to build or strengthen your support system.

So here are some reasons why I believe having a great support team in your life is crucial:

• For emotional fulfillment and energy. Let’s be logical (I hate when my hubby says that)!! There is no way you can give to your spouse, your children, your job, your kids’ schools/homeschool, your church and community and not have others who are pouring into YOUR life.

You will burn out!!  We are meant to be in healthy relationships so we can connect, share, support each other and laugh together. It lightens the load of the troubles of life and makes the great times even better.

Unfortunately, I hear many people simply say, “I don’t have time.”  I hear you…you are exhausted and you don’t want to “give” to one more thing.  But you need to think further than just today.

If you give a little, to a few solid relationships, you will gradually start to receive back.  You will be refilled and energized.  And in turn, you will have more for yourself and the people and things you love.  So for your health, your happiness and the continued ability to take care of your loved one, save some of your time to invest in friends and family.

• For great advice and counsel. Oh, the pitfalls we can avoid when we listen to some wise advice.  It is so good to have a few friends that gently tell you the truth.  Or occasionally give you that look…you know, the one that says, “What are you thinking!?”

 Often, in our young adult years it can be so hard to see the ramifications of all our choices.  It really does matter though who you listen to, admire, try to emulate and what you spend your time doing.  You definitely need guidance during this time.

• For encouragement. It can also be hard to see the ways that YOU are totally awesome.  Especially when we are just getting started, we tend to think that everyone “can draw or write like me” or “fix things or do coding”.  Uummm…no, they can’t!!  Are you kidding me??  You are so unique, and strong mentors can encourage you to see and develop your gifts and talents.

When you have supportive friends and/or family, they see your potential so they aren’t going to let you just quit when you encounter a failure or two.  Strong mentors can you guide you as you take the next steps.

We will all face transitions in life.  Some we are excited about such as graduation, a marriage, a baby or a new job.  Other transitions are not so welcomed like a divorce, unexpected move or an empty nest.  As you go through the transitions in life, a true friend will help you see the new possibilities that await you, smoothing out those challenging days.

So now, that I have you totally convinced you that you need and want a support team, let’s talk later this week on how you can build or strengthen your own support system!