For Those of Us Who Have Someone We Trust

Author

Deep
September 02, 2024

We all carry burdens.

Some are visible, many are not.

But for those of us fortunate enough to have someone we trust, there's a powerful tool at our disposal: the art of sharing our struggles openly.

Why Share?

Sharing your challenges isn't about complaining or seeking pity. It's about:

  1. Lightening the emotional load

  2. Gaining new perspectives

  3. Strengthening bonds by being vulnerable

  4. Finding support and understanding

The Emotional Benefits

When you open up about your struggles:

  • Stress levels decrease as you verbalize your concerns

  • You break the illusion of isolation

  • Problem-solving abilities often improve with external input

  • Self-esteem can increase as you realize you're not alone

How to Approach Sharing

  1. Choose the Right Moment: Find a time when you're both relaxed and have privacy.

  2. Set the Stage: "I need to talk about something that's been bothering me. Do you have some time?"

  3. Be Clear About Your Needs: Are you looking for advice, or just a listening ear?

  4. Start Small: If you're new to sharing, begin with less weighty issues and build up.

Strategies to Make It Easier

  • Use "I" statements: "I feel overwhelmed when..." rather than "You never help with..."

  • Practice beforehand: Write down or record your thoughts to organize them.

  • Use analogies: Sometimes, comparisons can help explain complex emotions.

Overcoming Awkwardness

  • Acknowledge it: "This isn't easy for me to talk about, but I trust you."

  • Remember: Vulnerability is strength, not weakness.

  • Focus on the potential positive outcomes of sharing.

Speaking from personal experience, the act of sharing can be transformative.

It allows you to put down the weight you've been carrying, even if just for a moment and tt opens door to support, and sometimes solutions you hadn't considered.

If you don't have someone you feel comfortable sharing with an impartial third party can be invaluable.

Like a coach.

Remember, your struggles don't define you, but how you handle them can.

Take that first step towards lightness. Share your burden. You might be surprised at how much better you feel.

Speak to you tomorrow,