finding a support system for your mental health
with abi hayes
In this episode of the small steps to self-love podcast, fellow poet Abi hayes and i discussed finding a support system for your mental health, the importance of friendship during difficult times, and more!
Tune into the episode to hear about her debut poetry collection, coffee and wildflowers, which you can find here! and a special reading of one of her poems from the collection!
In this episode
Abi was one of the first members of the poetry club, and i’m so glad she could join me for this episode of the small steps to self-love podcast! In this episode, we talked about her debut poetry collection and finding a support system as part of your self-love journey.
Her book, Coffee And wildflowers, encapsulates her multiple passions including baking and poetry. The story is told from the viewpoint of main character Hattie and includes recipes that are influenced by the poems within the book, many of which being about found family and support.
Abi goes on to explain that her self-love journey is an ongoing and changing relationship. Growing up in a big family, she found herself to be independent, and when she reached adulthood, struggled to ask for help when needed. Her formed connections have since helped her overcome this, and she now feels more comfortable to reach out when she needs it.
If you feel like this, Abi reminds that people are there and they want to help you. We talked about how we often feel like it’s selfish to reach out for help or advice, but we wouldn’t think it was selfish if our friends came to us with the same thing. “I want to help my friends as much as they will want to be there for me.”
If someone is really hesitant to ask for help, what would you recommend they start with? How could they overcome that?
Abi said when she feels connected to her children, husband, friends and community, she then feels more connected to herself as well. So her main tip is to surround yourself with people you feel safe with, that you can be vulnerable with. She said it's all about, “knowing who makes you feel like the best version of yourself. And who knows you and what you need as a person.”
Where should someone start in finding support?
After moving several times, Abi states that the best way to find support is to look at your hobbies and passions, and try to find a class or group of like-minded people to surround yourself with. Especially these days, there are so many online options, so if you can’t find something in-person, try to find a virtual group or class!
Volunteering is her second suggestion, finding something within your community if you have the time to do so. This is a great way to meet people, and help others at the same time!
where to listen
Tune into the episode to hear more of our conversation, and a reading from abi’s poetry collection! You can find the episode on your favorite podcast site, or through one of the links below!
Thanks for tuning into another episode of the small steps to self-love podcast! I hope your week is full of self-love, compassion, and kindness!