Have you ever wished for and/or received support during one of life’s transitions (going to college, getting married, having a baby, starting a new job, moving, dealing with life-threatening illness or the loss of a loved one)? Do you know how to provide that same encouragement to family members, friends, and colleagues going through their own significant life transitions? Here are some suggestions on where to begin.
• Look more closely at your circle of family, friends, and acquaintances
• Take the time to consider what life-altering situations they may be going through
• Mention to these individuals that you have noticed a change in their life and ask “What can I do to help you?”
• Be prepared to act on their response (running errands, caregiving, babysitting, meal preparation, etc.)
• Don’t give unwanted/unsolicited advice—this is the last thing hurting and overwhelmed people need
• Do be willing to listen and to offer hope and encouragement (see my earlier post “Finding hope in times of transition”)
• Be respectful of those who are currently resistant to your offer of help—they may need more time to adjust to the transition or to figure out what kind of help they need
• If possible, try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and imagine what would be most helpful or most supportive to you and then ask if they feel the same way
• Use your resources, connections, and networking skills to be a help to the friend or family member who needs support during life’s transitions
“A person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge,
but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen,
and a hand ready to help others.”
Quote Gate
Think back to the last life-challenging transition you went through.
• What was or would have been a great help to you at that time in your life?
• Is it something you can now share with one of your family members, friends, or colleagues who need support during life’s transitions?
• What should you avoid because it was detrimental or unhelpful?
Being aware of how you want or benefitted from support will help you know how to show compassion for others. Who can you encourage today?