Everyone Needs Someone in their Corner

Welcome to my Monday Morning Message

HAPPY MONDAY! I’ve been thinking a lot about mentorship lately.

Not necessarily formal mentorship—though that’s a great option! Mostly, I’ve been thinking about adults showing up for younger people and helping them figure out how to be in the world.

I coach young men and women, and I see how important it is for young adults to have someone in their corner.

Someone a little further down the road who can say, “Hey, you’re doing fine.” Or, “Here’s something I wish someone had told me.” Or simply, “I noticed you.”

I wonder how many young adults have someone like that. Not a parent or teacher, but another adult who takes an interest, checks in once in a while and reminds them they’re doing okay.

And mentoring isn’t about giving advice every time you see them. It’s definitely not sitting a 24 year old down and explaining everything they’re doing wrong.

Sometimes the most valuable thing we can offer is reassurance:

You’re doing better than you think.

It’s okay that you don’t have it all figured out.

You’ll find your way.

You don’t need a program or title. Make an introduction. Answer a question. Invite someone for coffee. Be someone they know they can call. These are powerful gifts.

And you don’t have to be decades older. A 25-year-old is further down the road than a 21-year-old. Sometimes being a few steps ahead is enough to turn around and offer a hand.

And here’s the wonderful part: being that person gives something back to us, too. There are few things more gratifying than watching someone you’ve encouraged begin to believe in themselves.

So this week, who could you reach out to? Not to fix or lecture, but simply to let them know: I’m in your corner.

Have a wonderful week. Colette