SUPPORT SYSTEMS.....ARE THEY IMPORTANT TO HAVE?

Support systems are not only effective in working with domestic violence clients, but also individually as a citizen that connects with society.  I look back over my experience as a victim of domestic violence and can honestly say that, I survived that experience because of the great support system I had.  Sadly, many other victims in society today and even back then, do not have support systems, partially due to their lack of knowledge and/or resources they feel are available to them.

Briefly moving past victims of domestic violence, let's look at an individual who is a professional and feels the weight of the world on his/her shoulders because they are experts in their fields which demands a lot of their time, maybe deadlines are due for reports and life is just too much for that person, momentarily and the clock is steady ticking....oh,  add a spouse and children for luxury if you want in this scenario.  

This person I'll call "Jane" from here on out, could reduce the stress in her life and possibly some of her case loads in her career, if she had a support system of techniques to use as well as key individuals or a "go to" person, and trusted people in her life, the balance of life would be her outcome.

Support systems of people help you out when in need to support you financially, emotionally, spiritually, etc.  You can't obtain a support system by sitting behind a computer wishing for some type of support, laying on the couch stressed cause you need support.....No! No! and a capital, NO!!!!!  You must get out in this big world and NETWORK with others to find out in what capacity can they support you and in return you could be of some support to them.  Sometimes, if you're blessed as myself, your family will be that front line of a support system.

Family:  My family sees  the success and failures of my life first!  So naturally they are the greatest support system for me.  I have a cousin that supports me emotionally, whenever I need it.  Rather it be to listen to my problems, concerns, issues, etc....she gives me feedback and honest honors either from her experience or someone else's knowledge that she trusts to pass on to me.  For me, that's all I usually need in a support system.  I have other family members that support me by praying for me in difficult times and never letting me know that they are praying for me, but their actions show me that they are on my side.

Friends:  I have a diverse group of friends who support anywhere from the small steps I need to get through a difficult moment to friends that see a larger picture and can advise me on down the road or journey that I'm on.  Notice I didn't say cheerleaders.... I said FRIENDS.  These friends are very similar to me in their passions, weaknesses, strengths and anything else that builds our bonds collectively.  Some of these friends I talk to daily, monthly, yearly or just whenever I'm in a specific season of my life.  It's not to say that I only need them when I'm in need, clearly we have had previous conversations that identified that they were the best fit to help me handle difficult things.

Colleagues:  Recently, I had a family emergency and needed someone to step up and fulfill my duties in my absence.  I did not want to cancel the event that I and others spent months creating and planning, for my emergency.  My Supervisor, the school liaison and my Project Officer, all showed up and supported the project and assisted where needed in my absence.  On that day, I knew I had a great support system, even amongst my colleagues in this field.

Bottom line...... identify and connect with people that can support any levels in you life, and at which paths you cross throughout your journey in life.  Whether it be a friend or family member that can pray for you, pray with you, help assist you financially or emotionally or a colleague that if God forbid, you get sick or like me, have a family emergency on the day that you have an event or presentation to facilitate, they can assist you with it or possibly take on that task, in your absence.


I'm forever grateful of the support systems I have and am always reminded that they are there any time I need them.

So my question to you is: Support systems....are they important to have?  Why or why not?


#breakthesilence