If you have been receiving my posts for a while you know that I love writing about life’s transitions and interpersonal communication. I have discussed different ways we can befriend change to find new possibilities and how it is in our control to create the relationships we want personally and professionally. Although I do write on other topics, these areas are my passion. They are at the core of my beliefs, my values, and they inspire me in my own life. And there is still so much more to cover.

So today, I’d like to discuss the importance of creating a support network when befriending change. 

Humans are social animals. We need connection with others in order to thrive—especially during times of transition. We need a network of people to support us, hear us out, cry with us and help us clarify our thoughts. Through the eyes of others, we can see different perspectives and new possibilities. In order to find the courage to take the necessary steps to move forward and transform our lives, we need a reliable network of supporters.

As my mentor, Maria Sirois explains, an effective support network consists of:

• Experts. Professionals with credentials, like a coach or therapist, who can support you in an objective, non-biased way. They believe in your capacity and help clarify what you want and the steps needed to get there.
• Non-accredited experts. These are people who truly understand what you are going through, having gone through something similar, but they have the advantage of being at a later stage in the process. For example, when I was being treated for cancer, I joined a cancer support group made up of people at all different points in treatment and recovery.
• Your personal supporters. These are the people you trust, those ones that love you deeply and who are closest to you. Sometimes one is all you need but, of course, you can have more.

In different times of our lives we will need a larger or smaller support network, but we always need to have those relationships to support our journey. I have found that my personal supporters (my husband, my parents, and siblings and a few close friends) was all I needed at times. But during bigger challenges, with important changes in my personal or professional life, having experts (accredited and non) to support me along the way was the best present I could have given myself.

So ask yourself: what kind of relationships do you need more of at this time in your life? Who are your personal supporters? Would having an expert in your support network today help you progress further? 

And don’t forget that YOU—yes, you!—are also an integral part of your support network. We always need to be our own best friend and ally. But we can discuss this more in a future post!

In the meantime, remember that life is never just about us. It is about us in relation to others.

Until next time,

Claudia

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