In the past, you didn’t need to know how to nurture a support system. When your ancestors faced times of change and transition, they relied on extended family members for assistance and caring. Spouses stayed together through good times and bad times. However, in more recent times, extended families have dispersed thanks to increased opportunities and mobility. Unfortunately, the closeness and support of the extended family has suffered and their help and encouragement are sadly lacking in many lives and trying circumstances.
Today, many young adults are choosing to stay single—not wanting their parents’ unhappy marriage—or are staying single longer. Those who marry later may not have children, either by choice or because of infertility issues asserting themselves later in life. With no built-in family, these people need to know how to nurture a support system for times of change and transition in their lives. While some strangers will pitch in and help out of the goodness of their hearts, it’s much better to know whom you can count on in times of transition.
No matter what your age—20, 40, 65, 90, or somewhere in between—a strong support system is crucial. Here is how to get started:
• Surround yourself with a positive support system of family, friends, and colleagues.
• Engage in a variety of activities so you have friends at work and outside of work.
• Be your own person—strong, independent, with a healthy level of autonomy in your relationships.
• Take good care of yourself and your health so you can stay independent.
• Stay true to your purpose, your strengths, and your values.
• Get all your legal documents in order.
• Let a family member, friend, or professional knows where your important. documents are stored in case a serious accident or death befalls you.
If you already have a support system, consider being a support for someone you know and love.