“Each person holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out. Sometimes they just need a little nudge, a little direction, a little support, a little coaching, and the greatest things can happen.” ~Pete Carroll

To support someone means you are willing to hold them accountable for their choices, while you validate their innate worth, despite their particular challenge.

It doesn’t mean you buy their B.S.

It doesn’t mean you can or should fix their problem.

It doesn’t mean you can or should feel their pain.

And it certainly isn’t solely about soothing or encouraging or propping up.

All those things may happen along the way, but the most important part of providing support is being there. It’s about listening. And you always have that opportunity.

To provide real support to a friend/co-worker/family member is an act of courage. Sometimes, you must get a little tough with them, hold up a mirror. That is, if the relationship is important to you. If not, walk away, it’s not worth your energy.

To really own the challenge—no matter who’s at fault, no matter why it occurred—to really assist that person to choose to face it head on, to look it in the eye, is the only way to help them bounce back even better from it.

Assisting someone to hold themselves accountable is tough, but it is the most empowering gift you can give.

“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Robert H. Schuller