The Power of a Support System: Embracing Supportive and Positive People
Leaving a toxic relationship is not just a brave step—it's a transformative journey that opens the door to healing and self-discovery. During this time, one of the most crucial aspects of your healing process is creating and nurturing a strong support system. Surrounding yourself with supportive, positive people can be the foundation that helps you thrive in your newfound freedom, rather than struggling to find your way. As Brené Brown beautifully puts it, "Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives." Building these connections is essential to your well-being, and this article will explore why a support system is so vital, provide examples of the kinds of people who can be part of this system, and offer an exercise to help you plan and enhance your support network.
Why a Support System Matters
A support system is like a safety net, catching you when you falter and lifting you up when you need it most. After leaving a toxic relationship, your emotions may be unpredictable—some days you may feel relieved and empowered, while others you might feel overwhelmed with doubt or sadness. Having supportive people around you can help navigate these emotional waves, reminding you of your worth, helping you stay grounded, and encouraging your growth. These connections are more than just a comfort; they are a critical part of your healing journey, offering the love, validation, and encouragement that can make all the difference. Close Friends, Family members, Therapists or Life Coaches, Support Groups, and Co-Workers can all be supportive people in your life, but its important to understand what positive qualities they have.
Here are ten qualities that make someone a supportive person:
Good Listener: They actively listen without interrupting, allowing you to express yourself fully.
Non-Judgmental: They offer support without criticism, accepting you as you are and respecting your feelings and choices.
Empathetic: They can understand and share your feelings, showing genuine compassion for your experiences.
Trustworthy: They maintain confidentiality and create a safe space where you can share openly without fear.
Encouraging: They provide positive reinforcement, motivating you to pursue your goals and believe in yourself.
Dependable: They are reliable and consistent, showing up for you when you need them most.
Patient: They give you the time and space to process your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
Respectful: They honor your boundaries and respect your decisions, even if they may not fully agree with them.
Genuine: They are sincere in their support, offering help and advice that comes from a place of care and honesty.
Positive Outlook: They bring a hopeful and optimistic perspective, helping you see the possibilities and encouraging resilience.
Prompts to Help You Identify Supportive People
Reflect on Your Relationships: Take some time to think about the people in your life. Who has always been there for you? Who makes you feel safe, heard, and valued? Write down the names of these individuals, noting the qualities they possess that make them supportive.
Assess Your Current Support System: Consider whether there are any relationships in your life that drain you rather than uplift you. It’s important to recognize when someone is not contributing positively to your healing journey, and to prioritize relationships that genuinely support your well-being.
Consider New Connections: Is there someone you’ve recently met who you feel drawn to? Sometimes, new connections can bring fresh perspectives and positivity into your life. Don’t be afraid to reach out and nurture these budding relationships.
Activities to Strengthen Your Support System
Write a Gratitude Letter: Take a moment to write a heartfelt letter to someone in your support system, expressing your gratitude for their presence in your life. This not only strengthens your bond but also helps you recognize and appreciate the positive influences around you.
Plan a Supportive Gathering: Organize a small get-together with the people who make you feel loved and supported. It could be a casual coffee date, a movie night, or a walk in the park. The goal is to surround yourself with positive energy and create memories with those who uplift you.
Engage in Self-Care Together: Invite a friend or family member to join you in a self-care activity, such as a yoga class, a spa day, or a meditation session. Healing is often easier when shared with others.
Creating a Plan to Enhance Your Support System
Take some time to reflect on your current support system and consider how you can enhance it.
Identify Key Supporters: Write down the names of the people who currently provide you with the most support. Next to each name, note the specific ways in which they help you—whether it’s emotional support, practical assistance, or simply being a comforting presence.
Consider Gaps: Are there areas in your life where you feel unsupported? Perhaps you need more emotional support, professional guidance, or simply more positivity. Identify these gaps and think about how you might fill them, whether by deepening existing relationships or seeking out new connections.
Set Intentions: Write down one or two specific actions you can take to strengthen your support system. This might include reaching out to a friend you’ve lost touch with, joining a support group, or scheduling regular check-ins with a mentor. Make a plan to put these actions into practice.
Building a support system is an essential part of healing and rediscovering yourself after leaving a toxic relationship. It's about surrounding yourself with people who bring out the best in you, who encourage your growth, and who love you for who you are. Remember Brené Brown’s words: "We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to." So, take the time to reflect on your current relationships, identify the people who truly support you, and actively engage in strengthening those connections. You deserve to be surrounded by all the love, positivity, and unwavering support you need as you embark on this new chapter of your life.
Have an Amazing Day,
Kerry Life Coach
Join Our Supportive Facebook Community
If you're seeking a supportive community to guide you through personal growth, Kerry's Facebook group Finding Happiness Through Self-Love is the perfect space to connect with like-minded individuals on a similar journey. The group offers a safe, welcoming environment where members can openly discuss challenges related to self-worth, setting boundaries, and overcoming toxic relationships. Led by Kerry, a certified life coach who has transformed her own life through self-love and empowerment, this group gives you access to valuable insights, emotional support, and practical steps toward building a happier, more fulfilling life.
Beyond the emotional support, this group provides exclusive access to Kerry’s tools and methods that promote self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. Whether you're struggling with low self-esteem, feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns, or just need encouragement, being part of this community offers accountability and empowerment. Members also benefit from Kerry’s expertise as she shares actionable tips, guided exercises, and live sessions that focus on breaking through emotional barriers and achieving long-lasting happiness.
