Want to help others? Start here.

I’m worried about my brothers and sisters across the U.S. who are being evicted from their homes due to loss of income. I’m concerned about all the parents who will be juggling working from home this fall while their kids are stuck in front of screens all day. I’m thinking of all my friends who are single, feeling isolated and are battling profound loneliness. My mind returns frequently to what I can do to stay active as an anti-racist and I’m constantly thinking about our teens who are navigating mental illness and substance abuse and who were already in trouble before the pandemic.

Often these things wake me up at 3 a.m.; for months I have been stewing on how I can best serve others on a broader scale. But frankly, I feel overwhelmed and exhausted. I am navigating so many personal life transitions right now, the energy to take on a robust service initiative is just not there. I know I’m not alone in these feelings.

I’m a helper. I was raised by parents who were helpers and who believed it’s our job—individually and collectively–to do whatever we can to help ease the suffering of others. So, what is my role right now?

During a quiet pause last week, I was gifted with a realization.

I am helping others. I am continually responding to the micro-needs that are showing up on my doorstep every week: the sibling that needs emotional support and help finding a caregiver; the neighbor who needs help navigating a career dilemma; the college student who could use some job search tips; the long-time friend we have been inviting over for a weekly homemade dinner and the family who is grieving from the death of a parent and open to healing resources.  I cook a meal, I call when I can to check-in, I bake cookies, I text gentle reminders that I’m just a call away, I email personalized resources and recommendations. Little things. But hopefully baby pearls of support arriving at just the right time. Small, sweet, gentle moments of connection.

I allow life and synchronicity to guide me on how best to use my energy and talents each week. I listen to the whispers that float in: call Meg this week, make a meal for Cindy, send the meditation book to Eric. And I know and trust that this is enough.

SEEKING SUPPORT FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR TEAM? HERE ARE TWO OPPORTUNITIES::

• Consider hiring me to create a workshop to help your team, organization or employees feel less stressed and more resilient, energized and focused. For 20+ years I’ve been speaking to professionals worldwide on how to find balance through practicing the art/science of self-care. Whether it’s a workshop, keynote or mini-retreat via Zoom, I’d love to discuss how I can support your organization. Learn more here.
• *NEW* REDISCOVERING YOUR PURPOSE–a 3-week online self-care retreat.  Want support for determining what is uniquely yours to do in the year to come? Email info@reneetrudeau.com to receive an inner circle invite to my upcoming fall, online offering for women only.  Space very limited; details to come!

Subscribe here to Live Inside Out, a weekly blog written by life coach/author/speaker and self-care evangelist Renée Peterson Trudeau. Passionate about helping men and women find balance through the art and science of self-care, her work has appeared in The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, US News & World Report, Spirituality & Health and more. She and her team have certified more than 400 facilitators in 10 countries around the globe to lead life coaching groups and women’s retreats based on her work. She’s the author of two books on life balance including the award-winning The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and 18-year-old son. More on Renee here.