And That's Okay! Feeling Helpless When You Want to Help But Don't Know How

03/18/25 • 9 min

Have you ever been in a situation where someone you care about is struggling, and you just want to help—but you have no idea what to do? You feel that pull in your heart, but you're stuck, unsure if you'll say the wrong thing, do too little, or even make things worse. That feeling? It's frustrating, confusing, even a little overwhelming... and that's okay! Because today, we're breaking it down. What is that feeling? Why do we struggle with it? And most importantly, what can we do about it? Stay with me—this episode might just change the way you show up for others.
Action Steps:
Say something simple, yet meaningful.
Offer a specific form of help.
Validate their feelings without fixing them.
Provide assistance indirectly when direct help isn’t accepted.
Know when to step back and respect boundaries.

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Order your copy of And That's Okay! book
Sign up for our weekly email "Feelings First"
Follow along over on Instagram
Hang out with us on Facebook

Previous Episode

And That's Okay! Facing the Fear of a Health Scare

You know that moment—the one where the doctor pauses, takes a breath, and you just know? The words that follow will change something. Maybe everything. The lump they found, the test that came back, the scan that needs a closer look. In that moment, fear takes the driver’s seat. And if you’re anything like me, it doesn’t travel alone. Anxiety, doubt, anger, and even guilt pile in, like uninvited passengers. I’ve been there. I’ve sat in that sterile room with my heart pounding, waiting for results. I’ve heard the words that made my world tilt. Three strokes. Abnormal mammograms. Biopsies. A car accident that left me temporarily paralyzed. And every single time, I faced fear head-on. And you know what? I never let it stop me. And that’s okay. Because fear doesn’t get to have the final say. Today, we’re talking about what happens after the news, after the diagnosis, after the fear shows up. How do we keep going? How do we take the next step when everything feels uncertain?
ACTION STEPSWrite it out. Let the fear out of your head and onto paper.
Breathe intentionally. Your breath is your anchor.
Find what you CAN control. Small steps forward.
Move your body. Even tiny movements help.
Create a fear-release practice. Meditation, prayer, or something that helps you let go.

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Next Episode

And That's Okay! You Set Boundaries...Now What?

You did the hard part. You set the boundary. You spoke up for yourself. You made the decision to protect your peace. And now? Now you feel... off. Maybe you’re questioning yourself, maybe you’re feeling guilty, maybe you’re dealing with some major pushback from others. And that’s okay! Because setting boundaries isn’t just about drawing a line—it’s about what happens after. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into today. What do you do when standing your ground feels lonely? How do you handle the discomfort that creeps in after making the right but hard choice? We’re getting into it all today, and I promise, by the end of this episode, you’ll have real, practical steps to move forward with confidence.
ACTION STEPS:
1. Acknowledge the feeling
2. Affirm your decision in writing
3. Talk it through with someone safe.
4. Set a 48-hour response rule.
5. Reconnect with yourself.

Order your copy of And That's Okay! book
Sign up for our weekly email "Feelings First"
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