Session 3 talks about five types of social support: emotional, informational, tangible, self-esteem/affirmational, and belonging.
1. Pick one of these types of social supports.
2. What about this support is important to you as you continue on your NF journey?
The self-esteem/affirmational support has proven to be very important to me. When my mind and body are not functioning as well as I'd like I tend to lose focus that I am a productive member of society. Having people give me affirmational support reminds me that I am worthy and I have value even when my body or mind or mind is functioning at a lesser level than my "perfectionism" would like.
It was very important to me to belong to the NF community and to find help with other patients, and to help them as a patient representative in my organization.
As a teacher I liked to be the teacher of young people, first class, to see how they can learn reading and counting and much more. I could learn from them how to teach better. I had an amazing time at work. I am now retired, but I miss this part of my life.
Thank you for all your great work as a teacher!