The pressure is on at the start of the week. I see all my face to face and ‘virtual’ clients from Monday to Wednesday and do consultancy work and stuff for the Fearless Female group on Thursday and Friday. Emails and social media stuff is done as early in the week as possible, so that Natalie can work her publishing magic.
It’s the end of the day on a Tuesday and I’m struggling to come up with things to write about. The truth is there’s probably too much choice.
I often tell clients to focus on the big rocks rather than the little pebbles; so, what’s important for people to know? As always, I rely on what science and evidence-based research tells us.
By safe connections, I mean the feeling of being safe and understood by at least one person. That feeling of being truly heard and seen is essential to our wellbeing.
This is a little different to having social support. Safe connection needs to be reciprocal, it’s not a one-way road or being supported. A safe connection is about knowing that you’re in someone’s head and heart, just as you hold them in yours.
Some of my clients struggle to find a safe connection. Sometimes it’s a problem of trust and taking a risk; sometimes it’s not having the confidence to change. Often, it seems easier to continue what they’re doing, in the same way.
I’m a huge dog and horse lover, with 3 of each. I automatically warm to fellow animal lovers because they know how to give and receive unconditional love. It’s easier with animals because they never judge, they’re very forgiving, don’t fall asleep when you talk about work and are unfailingly excited to see you.
What I do notice is that people who struggle with ‘safe’ connections are often animal lovers.