It is difficult to forget the confidence with which we approached people as kids when our parents sent us to them. I remember the times my mom sent me to the hairdresser’s or to the tailor’s, and I would walk in there with so much confidence and demand whatever it was that took me there…and more often than not I got what I went for. As adults, as women, the equation has not changed much. It has nothing to do with strength, a woman is bound to do better when she has back up. Yes, pun intended, but quite a number of the winning women we celebrate were able to move mountains because they knew how to hold themselves together. They had back up for the tough times, and trust me, it makes all the difference. In fact, it would not be far from the truth to assume that the strongest women have the strongest support systems.

There is a certain vibe that comes from having a strong support system that empowers you to do much more than you could have on a normal day. It could be your family, friends or even perfect strangers, but support systems have one thing in common; they birth the best version of you and help you to take control of your life. So, how can a sister spot or build her own support system? Well, there is no checklist to building support systems, but the simple goal is to have the right set of people closest to you. To do this, you could;

i.              Consider joining maybe a gym or workout group to boost your mood and improve your physical health for balance and more productivity.

ii.             Be open to asking for help when you need it and accepting that help graciously,

iii.            Review your current social circle and identify the people who offer you the most positive but truthful advice,

iv.            Try new activities that might introduce to fresh faces who may provide a positive influence.

These (and more) approaches can open you up to a world of achievements. Really sis, a woman with back up will hardly back down, and that is exactly what you need to keep growing and winning. Your support system provides a lot of upsides such as;

Social Support: Social support helps to reconnect you to the external world while giving you the opportunity to focus on other people and interactions. Sometimes this comes in the form of a heart-to-heart with a friend and seeking out useful advice. Other times, you may find yourself on the giving end of the advice, give it your best. Everyone is an expert at something.

Impromptu Check-ins: Those unscheduled and genuine check-ins from your closest friends have a way of shattering your shells and pulling you out to growth. These check-ins ensure you do not get too withdrawn to the point of isolation and possibly, depression. It will also cheer you up to know people are looking out for you and are interested in your life. If your friends are half as crazy as mine, then that check-in could become a house party real fast! Lol.

Positive Vibes: Dearie, I am a doctor, and I can tell you for free that there is never an overdose of positive vibes. Sometimes, they stem from the impromptu check-ins, other times it could be from a get-together or even as little as a skit or meme shared over social media. Your mood gets brightened and your head is in the right place to win your day.

Healthy Distractions: Support systems help to provide healthy distractions. The key is to strike a balance between distractions that entertain and distractions that delay your willingness to take action. Healthy distractions include a short vacation with your friends, going paintballing, go-karting, or learning to meditate at a yoga class…whatever works for you. These healthy distractions help you return to reality with a fresh pair of eyes and a vibe that wins.

At the end of the day, having a trusted person to go with you on your journey is worth it. And if you have the space for a sister in your circle, I would like to be a part of your support system, giving you all the information and support you need as regards your sexual and reproductive health. Let’s talk more often, sign up for my newsletter and l will be right there for anything you need help with…nothing is too kinky! Wink. Sign up here, and let’s get talking!