Thoughtful Thursdays: Post 02 - Holding Space Without Taking Over: Supporting Others Thoughtfully

We often want to help when someone’s hurting—but our version of help might not be what they need. Holding space means letting someone feel heard, seen, and safe—without inserting our own agenda, stories, or fixes.

Try instead:

• "I’m here for you. Do you want to talk or just sit together?"

• "That sounds really hard. How can I support you today?"

• Just listen. No advice. No interruptions.

Support isn’t a performance—it’s a practice in empathy and presence. When we allow someone to have their emotions without trying to change them, we offer a deeper kind of care. Not every silence needs to be filled. Not every tear needs to be dried right away. Sometimes, the best way to support someone is to simply be with them.