My support systems

When I think about my support system I feel encouraged.  Although, it is not a wide range of people it is enough to make me feel that if I am in need I will have somewhere to go.  Support to me means that you are able to assist, contribute, and provide a positive outlook on whatever situation arises.            Daily factors that I am supported by are: God.  I go to him in my time of need and when I just need to say thank you. -My husband.  He listens, helps, provides constructive criticism, and reminds me of what I need to do.-My colleagues help me by doing their part.  This makes my day easier because I don’t have to pick up the work of others but I can focus on my daily tasks.  They also help by giving ideas and creating an environment that is fun to work in.-Lists.  I write list to help me remember to by certain bills, what to get at the store, and what has to be done at home. -Friends are great because they listen.  They will provide me with the feedback that is both positive and negative.  Since I am not always right in all situations this is great for me. lol             Without these support systems I don’t think that I would be able to maintain.  I rely so much on having people and items around me that help me to make my life easier that if I didn’t have them I don’t think that I would quite know how to balance my life.  It is important to me to have things done on time, correct, and to know what is going to happen next.  I wouldn’t be able to do any of that if I didn’t have positive people around me.            The challenge that I thought of is having a child with a disability.  I currently have Multiple Sclerosis and I know how difficult that is for my family, friends, and colleagues.  I don’t know how I would be able to function without a support system if I had a child that had to be cared for in special ways.            I would definitely rely on my husband because I would need him to help with the physical and emotional support but also because he would want to be there.I would rely on community support to educate me, guide me, and understand where I was coming from in the situation.  Like with my disease, you feel better when you think that people understand your situation and when they respect what you are going through.I would most definitely depend on my friends to be there to listen and support me when I feel that times are tough.  I would also depend on them to be release for me.  I would like for them to take me away for a little while when I felt stressed.  Then I would most definitely rely on my lists to make sure that I was accomplishing my tasks and goals for the day.            If I didn’t have all of the above support systems (and probably more) I don’t think that I would be able to handle myself on a day to day basis.  I think that I am a support system to others but also, I have had to “learn” how to rely on people and the community in order to survive.  Sometimes I feel that I can handle anything on my own and that’s simply not true.  It is important to recognize and respect the support systems that you have so that you can build  positive relationships around you.

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