How can we extend a lifeline to someone struggling?
Last week we explored the idea of rediscovering things we fell in love with. Our passion projects, goals, and dreams. How can we offer support for those who struggle emotionally with finding those dreams or goals they love so much? People need lifelines, which help them combat those negative feelings that creep in so quickly. This week I had a conversation with someone about those feelings. Unfortunately, when we feel overwhelmed, or lost we must deal with it all alone in most cases. So, I wanted to offer a few quick ideas to help others through their emotional struggles; a few lifelines if you will.
The first lifeline we can toss someone is listening. In most cases people just need a sympathetic ear without judgement. When someone struggles mentally or emotionally with a certain situation, they must verbally identify the root of the issue. Talking through what is troubling us can relieve a lot of stress. We can be that gift for others, through listening to their concerns and frustrations in life.
Another lifeline I use often are printed materials. Books, inspirational quotes, articles, or blogs can offer the perfect message, at the right time. We want to be the one who shares a message that will save someone, but we do not always need to be the savior. There is so much printed material available at our fingertips. Our struggles are not new, and someone has created material that could get us through any demanding situation, all we need to do is search for it.
We all have been through some challenging times in our lives or careers. We were able to work through this time using a variety of practices that worked for us. The next lifeline is sharing the practices or actions that have worked for us in our time of need. How did we work through our issues? Find what worked for you and offer it as a suggestion for the person struggling with a similar issue.
The last lifeline we could offer someone is an outside resource or contact. Coaching is growing in popularity. There are a variety of life coaches or consultants who can offer support for many issues. Therapy or counseling can be an outside resource for anyone struggling with an overwhelming feeling, emotional or mental difficulty. We can help others locate or reach out to an expert in their area of need.
Who needs your sympathetic ear to share their worries?
What materials could you share that have helped you through a challenging time?
What actions or changes in behaviors helped you through a tough time?
What outside resources could help others overcome an issue?
We can be the person who saves a life or at least assist someone with a personal struggle. We all experience moments when we are over our emotional or mental limits. The desire to give up arises. These are the moments we need a lifeline extended by another. Today I hope you can be the person who can offer a lifeline to a struggling friend. Thanks for checking in this week and I hope you have a wonderful time helping others in the coming days. Please leave a comment below that will contribute to this conversation.
Steven C. Bucks- Leading Conversations
~Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member~
