Boldly bolstering - A Quick Sunday Read
An inking to tickle your thoughts and inspire your words
Listening to the morning on my patio, I heard more than the distant whirr of a lawn mower, the bark of a dog, and the quiet that happens as the trees hold space. I heard guidance.
My inquiries are deep these days. It’s where I go when I know the answers are beyond my current understanding. I ask what I’m to know. I ask what my role is, in the world, in my community, and specifically, in my family as we navigate unchartered health waters.
This morning, I asked, “What is my role here?” The answer came swiftly, with a quiet boldness that vibrated.
“To bolster and to be a bolster.”
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts.
A Quick Word - Words have power. Use them well.
This week's word: Bolster
Hearing this missive, I felt an empowered sigh from head to toe. Bolster and be a bolster. That I can do.
Bolster. What an emboldening word. For the giver and the receiver.
It's a verb that means "to support or improve something or make it stronger."
It’s also a noun meaning "A structure designed to eliminate friction or provide support or bearing." Like a cushion or pillow.
To be a bolster is to be something strong to lean on.
Supportive. To be a listening ear. A shoulder to embrace and to cry on.
It got me thinking about the deeper purpose of bolstering, for others and ourselves.
Bolstering is oxygen infused into a situation.
Bolstering yourself with consistent self-care is like putting your oxygen mask on first before you can fully be there to bolster others.
Self-bolstering. It might just take self-care to another level.
"Talk to yourself like someone you love.”— Brené Brown
For me, that’s sleep, meditation, journaling, and asking for support when I need it too.
Then, take the oxygen of self-bolstering with you as you support others.
Bolster energy.
Bolster love and compassion.
Bolster mindset and thoughts.
Bolster physical strength.
Bolster engagement and activity.
Bolster the spirit.
Bolster confidence.
Bolster positivity.
Bolstering can be a subtle urging, consistent and steady.
Bolstering can be a surge of powerful energy, made more powerful when done in community. Such as bolstering as a family. Or as a neighborhood. Or as a rally of besties. Or supporting a cause or campaign with money and boots on the ground.
"We should bolster the light rather than fight the darkness."— Hebrew Proverb
Bolster a relationship by consistently showing up.
By actively listening. Hearing.
Seeing.
“I’m here, I’ve got you.”
You can bolster a project, career, and purpose with this same commitment: Consistently show up. Listen. Look for new perspectives.
It is deepening dedication to the long game.
Bolstering along the way breathes new oxygen into things.
Take a few moments this week to ponder how you can bolster and be a bolster.
Journal Prompt
Prompt: Ponder the same question I asked this morning: What’s my role here? Contemplate a current situation in your life. How does bolstering come into play?
Want to go deeper into your life? Consider embarking on a journaling quest:
The Art of Journaling to Transform Your Life & Live Your Purpose
A Quick Share
Here are a few lovely things worth sharing this week:
A quote I’m pondering by basketball coach Buzz Williams in a podcast interview with Ryan Holiday: “I think people in the middle of their adulthood need to learn how to become a beginner again because, first of all, it moves you out of the fixed mindset of trying to prove yourself and win and into the mindset that you want to improve yourself and learn. That process allows you to become a newbie again, but also to feel fresh.” ― I think accumulating wisdom plus a beginner’s mind are a powerful combo as we evolve in midlife and beyond.
I’m savoring the serialized “THE GOLD FISH: A Hypothetical Memoir,” on Substack by the wonderful Barbara Ward Thall. Barbara and I met at the 2022 Austin Film Festival when we both had screenplays advance in their Script Competition. Her screenplay, THE GOLD FISH, was a winner that year! In her Substack, she dives into the “source material. The starting point. Those pivotal and indelible adolescent coming-of-age years.” To say I can relate to the “memories” from growing up in the 70’s… well, it’s pretty delicious. Give Barbara a follow and subscribe to her Substack!
A creative journey starts with one step.
Sometimes the first step is asking for help.
What do you want to create?
Perhaps a Creative Jam Session is the key to opening the portal to your highest imagination.
Now's the time for your Projects, Passion, and Purpose™! Book a year of creativity with me and you'll be amazed at what you accomplish.
You can also bring me on as a writer. Need help with a story, treatment, screenplay, bio, website, outline, newsletter, or profile? I’m your ghost. :)
Email me to chat about it. cindy@cindyyantis.com.
I hope you have a great week filled with helpful bolstering. And, kindness.
Keep creating, abundantly,
Being a bolster for others… what a lovely thought!