Building a Support System: How I Built a Support System from Scratch
For the longest time, I convinced myself I could do everything alone. If I worked hard enough, stayed focused, and figured things out on my own, success would come. Depending on others felt risky. What if they did not understand? What if I was met with judgment instead of support? It was easier to stay in my bubble, until it wasn’t.
No matter how much effort I put
in, I felt stuck. Wins felt empty because I had no one to share them with.
Challenges felt heavier because I had no one to lean on. The silence became
deafening. That was when I realized, success is not just about skills or
effort, it is about the people around you. Having a support system is not a
bonus, it is a necessity.
When
Loneliness Became My Reality
There was a time when my world
felt painfully small. I had goals, but no one to discuss them with. I wanted to
grow, but I kept second-guessing myself because I had no external perspective.
Every time I considered reaching out, doubt crept in. Would they care? Would
they think I was weak for needing support? So, I stayed silent, and the
silence became heavier.
It took hitting a breaking point
to realize something had to change. I could not build anything meaningful in
isolation. If I wanted to move forward, I had to let people in.
How I Built My Support System as a Remote Worker
Working online can get lonely.
My schedule was unpredictable, and no one around me really understood what I
was doing. I was not actively searching for a support system, but I knew I
could not figure everything out alone.
I started small, joining
discussions, replying to people in forums, and reaching out when I needed
advice. Over time, a network formed naturally. A few people became regulars in
my inbox. We shared wins, ranted about bad clients, and swapped opportunities.
One day, I hit a rough patch. A
project fell apart, and I had no backup plan. Instead of panicking, I turned to
my network. Within hours, I had three leads, two referrals, and a solid action
plan. That moment proved to me that a strong support system is not just nice to
have, it is essential.
Why the
Right People Change Everything
Something shifts when you have
people who genuinely get it. They do not always have the answers, but they
listen. They remind you that your struggles are not unique to you, that others
have walked this path and made it through. They also push you in ways you do
not expect.
With the right people in your
corner, hard days do not feel as impossible. Setbacks feel like lessons instead
of dead ends. You stop feeling like you are fighting an uphill battle alone.
What I
Would Tell My Past Self
If I could go back and talk to
the version of me who was convinced they had to do it all alone, I would say
this: "Start where you are. Engage in conversations, even when it
feels uncomfortable. Send that message, even when you overthink it. Let people
in, even when it feels like a risk. The right people will meet you
halfway, and when they do, you will wonder why you waited so long."
God: The Ultimate Support System
Even with the strongest network,
human support has limits. People can misunderstand you, get busy, or even let
you down, but God never does. He is our constant source of strength, wisdom,
and guidance.
- Always Available - Unlike people
who may not always be there, God is present 24/7.
- Unchanging & Reliable - While relationships evolve, God's love remains steadfast.
- Gives True Peace - Support systems provide comfort, but only God gives the peace that surpasses understanding.
If you feel isolated, turn to
Him first. Pray, seek His guidance, and trust that He will bring the right
people into your life at the right time.
Your Next Step: Take Action Today
You do not have to go through
life alone. Whether you are looking for personal or professional support, start
building your network today.
What is one small step you can
take this week to connect with someone new? Share your experience in the
comments!
If you found this article helpful, subscribe for more insights on
personal growth, resilience, and building a strong support system.
When I first started freelancing, I was too focused on my work. I didn't realize as my friends slipped away. After about a year the excitement had waned. It was at the time that I realized that my inbox had gone dry. I tried going back to my previous relationships but they all felt different, empty even. It was difficult to find someone to talk to. After about an year I found a like minded community on discord. I don't have any close friends at the moment, not that I regret it, it was in my solitude that I got to discover myself. Was it lonely? Yes--very lonely at times. I won't lie to you though I would still take the freelancing path if given another chance.
ReplyDeleteI hear you. Freelancing can be isolating, but solitude also brings self-discovery. Finding a like-minded community makes a difference. Wishing you continued growth on your journey!
ReplyDelete