September 12, 2011

Make Everyone Stronger

“You are never alone.  There is always someone in your world looking to share their gifts and looking to discover those that you have to offer.”

By nature, we are social creatures.  Some of us are more social than others.  Regardless of the level of our social proclivities, we are all naturally inclined to surround ourselves with family, friends, others that we simply feel safe and comfortable with.  Because we have a tendency to leverage our social resources for security, advice, comfort, love, and affirmation, it is only natural for us to rely on others as we go through our challenges and our struggles.

There is something about people in difficulty that amazes me.  For some, they are open, willing, brave, and honest in sharing their particular situation.  For others, they retrench, withdraw, cover-up and hide when they find themselves in a particularly unsettling place.  I never have really understood what holds people back from asking for help, other than the fear of not receiving it, troubling someone else, or the belief they are supposed to figure it out for themselves.

With all that has gone on in our world lately, one thing is certain – difficult times have touched us all and we are not alone.  Because we are not alone, the best way to make a difference is to reach out and help someone else.   For it is from the strength of our collective contributions we can make everyone stronger.

Whenever I find myself to that point where I am overwhelmed and battling, I am amazed at how often someone shows up to inspire me in my journey; or, someone looks to me to help me in theirs.  I am always amazed at how either one of those activities provides me a renewed sense of purpose and energy.

The other day someone was talking about a lesson they learned in martial arts.  The lesson was that the best way to make the dojo (that special, honored place where martial arts training is done) stronger is for the team to make the weakest member better.  That concept really touched me.  In survivalist mentality, the strong move on and the weak are destroyed.  However, in a trusted, nurturing environment we are called on to make the weaker stronger — an interesting conflict from a societal perspectives, to say the least.

As we go through our daily challenges – working through our routines, battling through the tough parts, celebrating our wins, driving toward our goals – we constantly have opportunities to give and get energy, to share our passion and purpose with others.  No one is immune from the issues of the day.  Some are struggling more than others.  And, we could all use a hand,  a kind word, a pat on the back, help lifting the load, or a little advice.  As you face your battles remember two things – you are never alone and someone else needs your help.

Make someone stronger today — it’s a gift that strengthens us all.

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About Dave Cooke

Dave Cooke is a dad on a mission. His mission is to help parents get control of their lives over the powerful, destructive influences of a child's addiction. As the father of a son in a ten year heroin battle, Dave knows all to well the challenges parents and families face. He also knows there is a way to find peace in the chaos. It is his mission to help parents discover their path to a healthier, balanced life even if a child's active addiction is still part of their daily journey.

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