When finally settling on what to pen about this week, my mind meandered to my favorite message by Mariela Dabbah. The quote reads, Women who support other women are confident, generous, visionaries. Now, while I truly find value in this message, I can’t say that it totally resonates with my reality. It has been my experience that although support is oftentimes well received, regularly it’s not reciprocated. And while it’s not always given, I believe that it’s the most ethical thing one can do. This led me to poll the following question to those closest to me: Why is it so easy to receive support and not remit support? After collecting various responses, I was left both unnerved and unmoved. Hearing insights like, “They don’t want the attention to be on you” or “They don’t want you to win because it means they might lose” made absolutely no sense to me. Regardless of whose pursuit in life mimics yours, they STILL aren’t you! The gifts you possess aren’t their gifts (and vice versa) so opposition should be obsolete. The “competitive consciousness” should not be the vehicle you use to get to victory. Instead, being a source of reliability and support should be sufficient.

I used to sit around praying for the right people to come along and support me in my endeavors. Now, I simply ask to be used in the most effective way possible. After all, your greatness is not in what you have, it’s what you give. And it’s easier to lift someone up than to bring them down.

I’ll leave you with this:

Life is about shooting your shot. Wouldn’t you feel better knowing that you have done your part in making sure someone’s ambition actualizes? This doesn’t mean negating your own dreams but helping propel others towards their purpose.

Instilling in others the knowledge and wisdom you have garnered along the way goes a long way. Your testimony may prevent one from encountering some of life’s most difficult challenges on their purpose pursuit.

Fostering support won’t sabotage your success. What’s for you is for you! There’s enough success to go around!

The greatest joy comes from giving and serving. Only when you serve effectively, then will you lead.

At the end of the day it’s not about just one person making a difference it’s about coming together to create effectual change. Robert Ingersol said it best, “We rise by lifting others”.

By Dr. Avis Foley | Co-Publisher, Purpose Weekly

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