Who is on your team?
Hello, :). I often ask this question of people that come to my practice for guidance and support. I can be asked in several different ways; who is in your tribe? or who is a part of your village?, for example. When I ask that question I get a variety of different answers and the common theme that I often find is that people underestimate the amount of people on their team and its importance to them.
Each member of your team has a role, some may be more active while others are passive, and that role can change based on your needs and their abilities. For example, young children’s roles are most often passive, they can be something to look forward to after a hard days work on an ambulance, getting to play their favorite game, having breakfast with them (or dinner if you work day shift), and reading them a bedtime story. Time spent with your children taking part in whatever activities you and they choose, helps lower cortisol levels.
Team member filling more active roles could be coworkers, spouses, other family members, religious/spiritual leaders, friends, medical and/or mental health professionals. While time with them taking part in fun activities is certainly part of the role they hopefully play, at least your family and friends anyway, they are also most often the team members that you can turn to and talk directly about the things that you feel you need their support with. When I work with people diagnosed with Diabetes and I ask the question about who is on their team, they often do not mention medical professionals.
Notice that the title asks who is on YOUR team? That is because you get to pick who is on your team and what their roles are and that even includes your doctors. Like the members of a baseball team, each of the teammates specializes in something particular and if they are not supporting you in the manner that you need, time to trade for another person that will. Some of the speciality skills that you may want for your team members are; compassion, empathy, active listeners, and willing to be collaborative with you.
Whether you are a first responder, someone with diabetes, or as often is the case, both, you are going to want, and frankly need team members with the above listed characteristics around you to support and guide you through the difficult days. Your team is not just there for the tough days though, they are also who you celebrate your wins with. You are the leader of your team and you are also the member of other important people in your life’s teams.
Life is a team sport, you do not go through life taking on the role of catcher, pitcher, 3rd baseman, and outfielder all at once. Be a good team member to others in your life and rely on your team to be there for you when you need them, it makes life much better. If despite the amazing team you have, you feel overwhelmed and are considering adding another team member that specializes in physical and mental wellbeing/health, reach out for a free consultation.
Have a great day!