My Supports

Environmental Factors that are supportive to me:

   This post comes at a time in my life when, coincidentally, I have been asking myself the same question.  I have had some troubled times in my life and not feeling supported is an area in my life in which I have struggled with for years.  Having moved across the country I put myself in a situation where I would not have  the supports of my family and friends.  However in time, I have realized that even in Michigan, I did not have the supports I thought I did.  

  Moving to Arizona, I have developed some supports.  Some of these supports have been tested and broken, where others grew stronger.  Looking at what or who I have to support me today, I would have to say my biggest supports are my close friend and co-worker, Jon, my friend Ronnie and Janet, and a great friend that moved to Christopher.   I don't feel that my family is of a great support to me, and definitely not a daily support.  All of the following people help give advice, listen to my problems, support my decisions, and try to make my life better.  Without these people, I don't know that I would be much use to anyone.  I would definitely be a different person, and not a better one I a sure.  Without these people I would not be where I am today.
  It is difficult for me at times to see and hear of the support of my family to other family members.  Out of six grand children, I am by far the most successful with having two college degrees, working on a third, have a career, a house and a car, but yet my decisions are all wrong or I could have made better choices.  I would love to have a family as part of my daily support system, but sadly at this time, my immediate family is not one of them.  One day I would like to have a family of my own that supports me and I support them.  I want to be a better support system for my family one day then I have had in the past.  

  I think I would be in a different part of my life had my family support been different.  I don't know that I would have moved 2,000 miles away, that I would never go home to visit, or even call.  If my family was more involved in my life, I think I would definitely be a happier person, but those are all "ifs".  I can choose to make a difference and have my family in my life, but it is their choice too to be involved.  So without family, I have made the best with the amazing friends that I have.  They are my family and I would be lost without their support.