Thursday, July 22, 2021

Helping Someone(s) Help Themselves

Last week, I was chatting with a dear person who was very unhappy. That person was kind of floundering and just really needed some help but I wasn’t sure I was able to do much good.

I tried. Boy did I try.

Remember that early blog where I talked about my earlier role as ‘Coach Jeff?’ Well, I was doing my best coaching motivational job possible. “Win one for the Gipper?” No, I didn’t go that far, but I was definitely trying my best to coach him/her through a very rough spot.

I had a couple conversations with him/her and it seemed like there were many things going on that had dragged the person down (I use the “him/her” and generic term “person” on the off chance that some day, he/she might stumble upon this blog and the last thing I would want to do is embarass someone).

I’m not pop psychologist; I don’t even play one on t.v. But, it seemed to me that all the stressors in this person’s life were external and he/she was also looking externally to try to find happiness. But, when asked, what I tried to convey is that I think TRUE happiness comes from within.

My advice was for this person to try to take some tangible steps to improve their circumstances. What could he/she do?

Get involved. Volunteer for a cause - church, school, community.
Begin an exercise program.
Start a household project.
Find a new hobby.
Do some networking.
Update the resume.
Pray.

My list went on and on. At the heart of it, I was really just telling this person to start moving. If you sit - and wallow - nothing good can come of it. If you worry, that’s even worse.

But take action; make a change; take a stand.

JG

Originally posted 10/30/2011

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