Friendship IRL: Real Talk About Friendship, Community, and What It Actually Takes
Alex Alexander
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Being Brave Enough to Show Up
At the time this episode airs, there are devastating wildfires in Los Angeles – and yet, I’ve seen some beautiful levels of response. When something bad happens, whether to one person or an entire community, people want to help. Consequently, I’ve been thinking a lot about how people show up for one another. In a world where so many feel disconnected, helping someone else is a way to feel less alone. Today’s episode is about how to be there for people during a loss. These ideas are applicable to anybody experiencing a tragedy, from losing their home to losing a loved one. There is no perfect way to show up. Stop putting that pressure on yourself and be okay with the fact you’re probably going to make mistakes. If you’re in the middle of supporting someone now, know that you’re doing matters. Keep being brave enough to show up. In this episode you’ll hear about: Being okay with discomfort and the fact that you can’t fix what’s happening to somebody – but you can provide support for themLooking at immediate needs first: do they have physical shelter, food, water, or clothing? Do they need a place to sleep for the night?My own personal experience receiving help after losing my mom at age 13 – plus, the realities of freeze stateThe value of specific offers, doing what you’re naturally good at, and coordinating with others via existing networksDos and don’ts when it comes to supporting people going through hard times (for example, DON’T try to force silver linings; DO validate their feelings) Resources & Links Like what you hear? Visit my website, leave me a voicemail, and follow me on Instagram and TikTok! Want to take this conversation a step further? Send this episode to a friend. Tell them you found it interesting and use what we just talked about as a conversation starter the next time you and your friend hang out!
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