Self Isolation and Self Advocacy
Let’s talk about self isolation and self advocacy. I live alone. That means that even before the “new normal” of self isolation, quarantine, and social distancing, sometimes I felt isolated. And now, everything is heightened. But that’s not only true for those of us who live alone. When everyone around you could be dangerous, we all feel more isolated, anxious and afraid. This is the perfect time to start advocating for ourselves.
Self advocacy is when you ask for what you need. And my consultancy is focused on giving clients the tools to advocate for their ideas, their clients, their customers and their teammates. But the most important part of advocating is advocating for what you need. That is the heart of all I do.
It’s not easy. It can be the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do. It takes so much guts, and vulnerability, and a wide open heart to say:
“I’m anxious, and I need reassurance.”
Or “I’m scared, and I need a good laugh.”
“I’m isolated, and I need to FaceTime so I can look in the eyes of someone who loves me.”
But this is why we do the work. This is why I teach my clients to advocate, so that ultimately they can advocate for themselves and their needs. If there is a silver lining to the potential of forced self isolation, it’s that it will also force self advocacy.
Please, see this as an opportunity to start asking for what you need. And do it over and over again. We may be forced by current circumstances to keep our bodies inside our homes. (And I hope that isn’t true for you). But your heart won’t be contained. Put your gutsy, vulnerable, wide open heart out there and ask for what you need, over and over, until you get it.
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