On Challenge & Support
Growth and development of any kind: intellectual, spiritual, and physical includes a ratio of support and challenge. Too much challenge and not enough support results in frustration, high stress and even giving up. Too much support and not enough challenge results in stagnation, lack of empowerment and ownership of our journey. It can keep us stuck in our comfort zone. This is one of those truths hidden in plain sight. I love this concept because it makes so much sense and it provides a clear framework that is very helpful. These two simple questions are important tools for discerning how to help ourselves and those we care about. We are living in a time of high stress and anxiety. I find myself returning to these two questions often as I navigate difficult days and challenging situations. Some days I need more support when everything seems overwhelming and too much to balance. Other days a little challenge is helpful when it seems like we are living groundhogs days over and over again on repeat. The ratio and needs change with each day, but these two questions help me articulate a little bit better what I need and what I can provide to those around me. These questions provide clarity that can help us discern what need. I also use these questions with my kids. There have been lots of challenges recently (learning from home, staying home, I can ONLY hang out with my brother/sister for weeks and weeks??) When the challenge is high I know that I need to increase support. This can be extra hugs, more time listening, patiently trying to solve tech problems (not my strong suit!), or permission to take a break and try again later. When there are moments of sheer boredom I know I need to increase the challenge in some way. These two simple questions are so helpful all the time, but especially in this time. When you are feeling down, try asking these two questions. Maybe you need some more support. When you are clear that support is what you need, you can better ask for that. Maybe you just need a little challenge. Either way, if you need support or challenge, when you ask these questions it provides clarity and information that you can use! Support. Challenge. Do you think about growth in these terms? Do these questions help you see something new in your journey or the journey of people around you? “Always remember…A blooming rose bush catches the eye of admirers, but it grew from a seed buried in dirt.A butterfly may be free and delicately beautiful, but it spent days shedding skin and dramatically changing inside its chrysalis so it could grow wings to fly.Accept your process.” ― Kristin Michelle Elizabeth Are you starting your day with the Be More Journal? It’s available on Amazon. If you like these questions, please consider SUBSCRIBING to The Art of Powering Down; Questions to Recharge Your Soul… Every week there is a question that will gently challenge you, encourage you, or help you live your life with more intention, grace, and purpose.
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