As we step into 2026, the pressure to reinvent ourselves is everywhere. But here is the truth: we often fail at our New Year goals because we try to achieve them in isolation. We’ve romanticized the idea of the self-made woman and social media has fed us the narrative that true friendship is a myth and vulnerability is a risk.
This year, let’s choose a different path. There’s a deeper, richer way to live. Communal living, whether through physical presence or emotional connection, gives us the essential fuel for our 2026 journey in a variety of ways
- Perspective when we’re lost in our heads.
- Encouragement when the February slump hits and we want to quit.
- Celebration when we hit those mid-year milestones.
- Covering when we stumble or fall.
- Accountability when we need that extra motivation to stay consistent.
Growing up in an African setting, child-rearing was a village community affair. Everyone helped, everyone knew you, and every child felt seen. Your parents had assurance that you were safe no matter the place or time (for the most part). This wasn’t backward, it was wisdom. Make it your 2026 goal to rebuild this. We should create groups of families with same values and shared goals as your go -to support for child care, errands, babysitting, grocery, small gardening and much more. These make your journey easier and more memorable for you and others.
How to Ask for Support (Without Overwhelm or Guilt)
One of the biggest blocks to receiving help is not knowing how to ask. Here’s a simple guide:
- Be clear about what you need: Don’t assume others know how to help; tell them.
- Communicate expectations upfront: Avoid passive assumptions. If you need a weekly check-in, say so.
- Don’t exaggerate your needs: Ask for what’s necessary. Overloading others can hurt the relationship.
- Be open to what they can offer: People support in different ways. Appreciate what they can do.
- Reciprocate support when possible: Don’t only take, give back in time, energy, or encouragement when you can.
Benefits of Building a Support System
- Faster growth – You don’t waste years guessing your way forward.
- Emotional relief – You carry less and recover faster when you’re not alone.
- Better decisions – Multiple perspectives give you wisdom.
- Greater joy – Life is sweeter when you’re seen, known, and celebrated.
- Communal living – We thrive when we lean on each other.
Sustainable parenting and care giving – It takes a village is not just a saying; it’s strategy. - Resilience – Support gives you strength to get back up after failure.
- Confidence – When others believe in you, it boosts your self-belief.
- Accountability – Real growth happens when someone helps you stay on track.
Whether you’re rediscovering your identity, building a business, growing your family, healing from shame, or trying to stay grounded while everything changes you don’t have to do it alone. Start by defining what support you need in this season.
Start by defining what support you need in this season.
Then… Ask. Receive. Build.
Your best life is on the other side of supported strength.
Take inventory of your life today.
👉 Where do you need support?
👉 Who have you been afraid to ask?
👉 Have you been expecting too much from one person or expecting nothing from anyone at all?
God never designed you to walk alone. Your knowledge or ignorance of that truth doesn’t change it. There’s power in being surrounded, covered, and uplifted. There’s strength in saying, “I need help.”
At The Propelled Life, we’re building safe communities of support for young women just like you. If you’re ready to rediscover your identity and grow with others, you don’t have to walk this journey alone anymore.
We’re here.