Proverbs 11:14
I am fortunate that I am surrounded by people who provide advice and support whenever I need it. Family members, friends, and colleagues all over the country have been available to offer guidance at times when I couldn’t see clearly what my next move was, making suggestions, introducing me to people who could help, or sometimes simply offering a listening ear. This has been particularly valuable when I find myself confused by the babble of voices around me (as well as those inside my head) and I am stuck.
Interestingly, I often find that the advice I’ve been given is the same that I have dispensed to others; it appears that the old adage, “physician heal thyself” applies here. As a life coach I have often shared advice with clients, that even as I am talking to them I am aware that it is wisdom I need to take heed to myself. So it is always interesting (and humbling( to have my words come back to me. I reckon if they are good enough for me to share with others, they should still taste pretty good when I have to eat them myself!
I am grateful for the multitude of counselors. When I faced some difficult challenges at my workplace a few years ago, it was with the counsel and support of each of my three sisters that I was able to come through it with my spirit and dignity intact. I have at times relied heavily on one of my two brothers on advice on any number of issues from the extremely practical, like what kind of tires to buy for my car, to more life-altering decisions. My five siblings, individually and collectively, have a lot of wisdom. The six of us are a force to be reckoned with. The beauty of family is that we support each other, as well as our families. I have reached out to some of my nieces and nephews offering assistance when and where I’ve been able. We not only look out for one another, we also look out for our children.
I have spiritual teachers, good friends, and professional colleagues scattered across the country (and even in different parts of the world) whom I can send off a quick email to, set up a Skype call, and connect. My former therapist checks in with me regularly from California to make sure I’m doing alright. I have pondered many things and had a number of challenging decisions to make. It has been a great blessing to me to have a multitude of advisors around me to provide “safety,” and for that I am exceedingly grateful.
