There’s a saying in counselling world: Meet people where they are at; Don’t leave them where you found them; Take them to a place they cannot go alone.
You don’t have to be a counsellor to follow this wisdom.
We all encounter people in our everyday life who are going through a difficult time.
Someone who feels stuck in their situation.
While it’s easy to offer advice in the form of “Why don’t you try…”.
Typically, well-meaning advice falls on deaf ears because the person is overwhelmed and in a state of hopelessness.
A solution that seems logical and workable to us, may feel impossible to our friend. Be sensitive to their current reality and capacity.
Don’t assume they handle stress the way you do. Our assumptions can create expectations of people that can’t be matched.
Sometimes guilt and disappointment in oneself can keep a person can be stuck with feelings of “I deserve to live like this”.
If we can look past another’s mistakes and see a human being like us, with all our faults and weaknesses, we create an empathic and non-judgemental connection.
A travel companion is invaluable to someone who feels stuck.
A companion is willing to listen, validate the difficulties and gently encourage the small steps that are realistically possible right now.
It may initially involve our practical assistance in starting the momentum.
It’s easy to get frustrated with someone who doesn’t seem to want to help themselves.
Appreciate that they have a different perspective and life experiences you’re not privy to.
You can still offer them a safe, understanding connection where new hopeful perspectives might emerge.
Someone you know could be currently going through a difficult time or maybe that someone is you.
You might just need a travel companion for this part of your journey.
