dear muse,

 

so many of us were taught to be strong, self-sufficient, and resilient at all costs

but i had to learn, and i know many of you had to learn, that strength does not mean doing everything alone

strength also looks like asking, receiving, and allowing yourself to be supported

 

support is not weakness

support is a reminder that you were never meant to carry everything by yourself

this week, we honor support as a form of care, connection, and self-respect

the kind that steadies us and helps us grow

 

enjoy this week's love letter...

the bookshop.org link is an affiliate link

our meditation

 

find a comfortable seat and gently close your eyes
let your shoulders drop away from your ears

inhale slowly, imagining space opening around you
exhale, releasing the belief that you must do it all alone

picture yourself surrounded by a soft, steady presence

hands at your back, voices that reassure, energy that says you are not alone

 

you are supported

by great meditation

our podcast

 

asking for help can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to

in this episode, this podcast dove into the psychology and communication strategies that make asking for help easier and more effective

whether you’re reaching out to a friend, coworker, or someone you admire, these tips will help you overcome the fear of being a burden and get the support you need

 

#84 - how to ask for help and not feel awkward

with talk to people podcast

our journal prompt

 

as humans, we are interdependent and interconnected

helen keller was right when she said, “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”

you must care enough about yourself to welcome the support you deserve

 

how to ask for help

debbie sorensenthe for psyche.co

our book selection

 

set in plainview, indiana, the story centers on three best friends odette, clarice, and barbara jean — collectively known as "the supremes"

over the course of four decades, they gather at earl’s all-you-can-eat, the town's first black-owned diner, to navigate the complexities of life

a mix of bittersweet humor and southern-style storytelling, focusing on the resilience required to maintain a lifelong sisterhood

 

the supremes at earl's all-you-can-eat

by edward kelsey moore

finally, our film selection

 

now watch the film!

the supremes at earl’s all-you-can-eat is a heartfelt tribute to sisterhood
a "warm and witty" look at the enduring power of female friendship

the supremes at earl’s all-you-can-eat

directed by tina mabry, written, in part, by gina prince-blythewood, starring aunjanue ellis-taylor, sanaa lathan, uzo aduba

your supportive ritual

 

support begins with awareness — with the willingness to pause and acknowledge what you’re carrying, and what you no longer have to hold alone

this ritual is an invitation to gently check in with yourself, to recognize where support already exists, and to create space to receive more

create a grounded space light your affirmation candle; dim the lights, silence notifications, and sit somewhere you feel safe and supported—wrapped in a robe or blanket

anchor your breath close your eyes and inhale slowly for four counts, exhale for six; repeat five times; with each exhale, imagine releasing the weight of expectations you were never meant to hold alone

name your support in a journal or quietly in your mind, name three forms of support currently present in your life—people, practices, memories, or even hopes

return to this practice whenever you feel overwhelmed or unsure

each time you choose to name your needs, you strengthen your capacity to receive care

remember: support does not weaken you — it steadies you, uplifts you, and reminds you that you are never alone

 

in closing

 

may this week remind you that receiving support does not diminish your strength — it sustains it

 

you deserve support
you deserve care

 

you'll be hearing more from me soon

promise

 

tamara charese

as always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here