Support and Gratitude

While brainstorming a new challenge for the Social Element of Wellbeing, I stumbled onto this article and immediately connected with the concept of social capital and social support. I could envision how our Sisterhood fits into this concept. Finding a way to include this article into our February-March Challenge, taking it to the next level and asking Sisters to thank that supportive person just made sense. Most often we need this support during a time of transition and change.

Transition and change…these words are not fun for me.  Anyone who knows me knows that I often will try to avoid them at all costs. Unfortunately I have been unsuccessful and have experienced more transition and change than I care to admit. Fortunately, each time I had people in my life to help me through each step of the way. They showed me support when I needed it most whether they were asked or if they volunteered for the task.

I know from personal experience how having someone’s support, no matter the action, can make a world of difference. When my family and I were preparing for a cross country move back to Ohio from living in California, the packing, loading and everything that comes with moving a family over 5,000 miles became overwhelming. I wasn’t sure how I would get everything done, work and take care of a three year old. To add to it, my husband was already in Ohio so I needed to complete the moving process on my own. Thankfully I got support when I needed it and without asking for it. The support I received came from someone that I can always count on; my mom and dad. They flew out to CA, helped me pack up the house, watched AJ (my, at the time three year old) and rode across the country with me on our drive home. This is just one example of a time I needed social support and it came organically, and for that I thank my parents for that! 

Try and think of a time you were supported just when you needed it. Who was it? What did they do? Did you thank them? This is the perfect opportunity to let them know how much you appreciated the support. Reach out to that person and let them know how their support truly impacted you and made things seem ok! Just this small thank you could ignite a chain reaction of gratitude and help our social capital to grow, and in turn, positively impact our communities.

Written by Melissa Ramsey, Kent State '96