I’ve said it before because it’s important, so here it is again: change is hard. And it’s much harder to go it alone.
Ideally, we need at least one person who can offer guidance. Otherwise, we tend to miss our successes and improvement and we might miss or be overwhelmed by our mistakes. Equally as helpful is a community of people also trying to improve their lives and take control of their own well-being. This helps normalise change as something positive and worthwhile and supports our own transformation.
When looking for support, don’t necessarily settle for the first group or approach you encounter. Shop around a little and find out what suits you best. If you’re in my neighbourhood, come along to the regular workshops to meet your support network or we make an appointment.
Wherever we look for support, it’s important to do so critically and ask a few questions like these:
“Is the person and material convincing – do I understand why this approach might help?”
“Do I have time to do the practices and activities being suggested?”
“Does the teacher or community reflect qualities I’d like to develop?”
Personally, I think scepticism is a very healthy way to examine new possibilities. A slick marketing campaign is no guarantee of depth of understanding, but we do need a clear and appealing message to respond to. So shop around and find a person or group of people you feel comfortable with will support your efforts to control your own well-being.
You are your own best opportunity for change, but you don’t have to go it alone.