I love the concept of life as a journey, and as I think about that today, I am thinking about how I might support the journeys of the many people I love and care about as well as others that I connect with in multiple ways.
Conversation
Conversation can either support or not support an individual's journey. To make it supportive means that you have to actively listen and sensitively respond. When you meander into complex or sensitive arenas of talk, you have to be open minded, thoughtful and often reserved. People's lives and journeys are multilayered with some layers simple to understand and communicate and others far more complicated and sensitive.
Presence
Being there for one another is another way to support each other's journeys. Simply being present for individuals' celebrations and struggle is a show of support and often comforting and/or inspiring. When you are present for someone, you don't have to say a lot or do a lot--the simple act of presence is often enough.
Acts of kindness
There are limitless acts of kindness you can engage with to support someone's journey. You may write a letter, send a gift, lend a few dollars, connect the individual to someone else who is embarking on a similar journey and more. When we have the mindset of What can we do for another and the willingness to act, we have the potential to support another's journey well.
Sensitivity
If we are insensitive with our words, actions or mindset, we may obstruct an individual's good journey. While some words and actions may rightly give an individual pause or right challenge, other words and actions may confound an individual's needed or desired journey in troubling ways. If we're sensitive to people, we may be able to avoid the kind of insensitivity that obstructs good journeys.
As I move along my own journey of life, I want to be cognizant about how I support others' journeys with good words, acts of kindness, sensitivity and presence. Onward.