Part IV: Charting a Course for All of Us

@GlenM

🎏😊 Goedemorgen fellow kayakists  🚣🏻🚣🏻🚣🏻

• What brought me to 7 Cups?

A long time ago in a galaxy far away... A comparative philosophy course that values ​​respect and truly being present for oneself and learning to listen better to others.

• When did you share a moment with someone and how did you feel?

I recently talked with a friend and we shared ideas about music. When it was my turn to share my compositions, my friend listened attentively and I felt something dual: I felt part of his life and I felt more alive being able to hear his emotion for his own songs.

• What do I contribute to the 7 Cups community?

Listening to Spanish speakers, and I like the idea that I can evoke relief and a space for people to understand their situation and their solutions.

I like to validate people's efforts because I think that's an important foundation for resilience.

How do you feel about sharing this?

It makes me proud to know that with my work I contribute to making the planet a better place.

• My M&Ms 😊💛

My mentor is Tony Robbins because reading his materials helps me focus on being my best self.

My roadmap is a collection of my goals, like a timeline that isn't rigid because I also like to include rest and pleasure. An important part of my roadmap is research because it's a way to "go with the flow," because I surrender to concentration and discover aspects that give me meaning in my daily life.

My mission is to be healthy in all aspects, and recently I've enjoyed watching funny videos in the afternoon. It might seem like a slip-up, but incorporating good humor makes me feel lighter and achieves a relief that perhaps we all seek: to stop overthinking.

My refuge in the mountains: creating music on the piano because it provides me with a gentle challenge.

• Who is my hero?

I have several: Jeffrey Zeig, Robert Dilts, Richard Bandler, and anyone who takes small steps to move forward in a positive way. My sister inspires me when I see her studying.

• What does it mean to foster compassion, and what is a small contribution to this great mission?

Compassion means being mindful that each person has a different way of interpreting situations. And one way to encourage it is to talk to people to find out what inspires them, even when life includes adversity.

• What is a "Big Rock" you want to prioritize? How do you make sure you schedule it first?

I want to eat healthily, and I prepare dinner in advance to avoid eating just anything for pleasure.

• What distractions interrupt you?

Receiving messages and cleaning my inboxes. Browsing social media without any intention of research.

Part 4: Final Reflections:

• What idea from this part resonated with you?

That compassion and collaboration are medicine for social problems and for the 💙, one hand it provides solutions to people's problems, and on the other hand, connection brings well-being to the soul. Having friends and sharing experiences is one of the qualities that makes me feel alive and fulfilled.

• How will you apply this new idea to support yourself or others in our community?

I will remain vigilant to avoid judging or assuming, as these could hinder the application of compassion. In my time as a university professor, I want to maintain compassion as a resource to foster empathetic and creative learning environments. Furthermore, I am interested in encouraging my students to learn to overcome the barriers of distance and collaborate effectively in their work.

May the Serenity keep in your heart, unless you exercise 🤭🤭

@GlenM

@Heather225

What brought you to 7 Cups? 

I was dreading the Xmas and New Year period alone.

When was a time you gave freely to someone else, and how did it make you feel?

After my own experience surviving 2 pulmonary embolisms (PE) I found support and information through Thrombosis UK and bookface related groups. Over the last 10 years I have actively monitored the same groups and used my own experience of recovery and acquired knowledge to help others  especially in the early stages and to offer hope and positivity when others responses aren't. I always find it rewarding just to be thanked and appreciated and it has lead to a couple of enduring friendships, in particular a friend who is currently struggling in the early stages of her 3rd spinal fusion operation. I met her 10 years ago when she suffered a PE after her first unsucessful operation.

What 'surplus' do you bring to the 7 Cups community (e.g., a surplus of time, a specific lived experience, or simply a patient ear)? How does sharing it make you feel?

I'm open and caring, willing to share and respond with others hoping to help myself and thereby help others in return. The resources on 7-Cups is simply astounding, I feel that I've barely tipped my toes in the water and the reception has been supportive, respectful and friendly.My experience so far has helped me feel less lonely and hopeful that I might inspire others. I'm considering therapy at the moment so might be hard pressed to be a listener but I feel my positivity, determination, lived experience and also work experience as a call and contact handler on a national helpline might be of benefit as a listener in the future.

Think of your M’s (on or off 7 Cups). What are they? My Mentor… Map… My Mission… My Mountain Haven…

My Mentor Currently some of the contacts I've made on 7-Cups, my friend through                                              Thrombosis UK and Prof Beverley Hunt haematolgist and founder of                                                  Thrombosis UK, inspired me not only in recovering myself, helping others and                                    charity runs to support. 

My Map To be able to rephrase my thoughts to reduce my fear of reduced                                                     mobilty and increased risk of recurrence,

Mission To establish a purpose and senseof direction to enjoy increase social life                                            and enjoy life again. Becoming a listener may well be part of that.           

Mountain Havens 7-cups and a puposeful life.

Who is your hero? Who is someone who inspires you to paddle?

I haven't got a specific hero but I am often inspired by people going to extraordinary lenghts for themselves to raise funds for charites, prime example Sara Cox non runner 135 mile run last November. 

Our collective mission is to scale compassion. What does 'scaling compassion' mean to you, and what's one small way you contribute to this big mission?

It is very early days for me but I'd like to think that being active in the forums and groups when I'm able to might help others feel confident to participate too.

What is a 'Big Rock' you want to prioritize? How do you make sure you schedule it first?

Exercise and general physical activty to protect my health, simply a daily habit that I do first thing after rising.

What are some Distractions interrupting you?

From exercising only being physically unable to do it. Too much time on SM can be an issue though when lonely.

What are some Waste items taking over other quadrants that you can move today?

I can spend too much time just overthinking and procrastinating with music or tv on.

What's one insight from this part that really resonated with you?

Over the past few weeks on 7-cups, being open and willing to share my story has been cathartic and just feeling that I might be inspiring others is awesome.

How will you carry this new insight forward to support yourself or others in our community?

Continue taking steps in a forward direction and helping inspire others to do the same.

@GlenM

• What brought you to 7 Cups? 

  The need for therapy at an affordable rate.

• When was a time you gave freely to someone else, and how did it make you feel?

  I gave freely to my boyfriend and it did feel good to be there for him.

• What 'surplus' do you bring to the 7 Cups community (e.g., a surplus of time, a specific lived experience, or simply a patient ear)? How does sharing it make you feel?

  A surplus of lived experience and insight.

• Think of your M’s (on or off 7 Cups). What are they? My Mentor… Map… My Mission… My Mountain Haven…

  My mom, my man, my mannequins, my mental health

• Who is your hero? Who is someone who inspires you to paddle?

  My mom does

• Our collective mission is to scale compassion. What does 'scaling compassion' mean to you, and what's one small way you contribute to this big mission?

  It means to be able to give a lot of compassion to others, I contribute by being there for a lot of people - even when I don't feel like it.

• What is a 'Big Rock' you want to prioritize? How do you make sure you schedule it first?

  I don't have an answer for this.

• What are some Distractions interrupting you?

  People who place their problems on me

@GlenM ❤️

1. What brought you to 7 Cups?

I spent most of my life feeling alone, growing up in a harsh environment where emotional safety was missing. Bcuz of that, I struggled with self-esteem and never really had a space where I felt understood. I didn’t have friends I could open up to, and whenever I showed sadness, it was often dismissed as being dramatic :( which made me withdraw even more.

I came across 7 Cups unexpectedly, without really knowing what it was. At first, I used it just to chat casually, but over time, I began to understand its depth :) Slowly, it became a space where I could both express myself and connect with others in a way I had never experienced before. It felt like discovering something gentle in the middle of something very heavy. ❤️

2. When was a time you gave freely to someone else? How did it make you feel?

Every day I spend here feels meaningful in its own way. Even recently, I was able to support someone and help them feel a little lighter. I try to genuinely listen and offer care without expecting anything in return.

At times, I question myself, whether this giving is selfish in some way, bcuz it feels personal. But I’ve realized that when I help someone feel seen or heard, it also heals a part of me that once needed the same. In those moments, it feels like I am quietly embracing my own pain while easing someone else’s. That feeling means a lot to me. 😊🌸

3. What ‘surplus’ do you bring to the 7 Cups community? How does sharing it make you feel?

I bring a surplus of empathy, patience, and understanding. My experiences have made me more aware of how important it is to truly listen.

I spend a lot of my time supporting others, and I genuinely care about making ppls feel safe, valued, and less alone. Sharing this part of myself gives me a sense of purpose and reminds me that my experiences can still create something meaningful.

4. My Mentor 😊

My greatest guide is Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ❤️. His life reflects patience, compassion, and strength even in hardship. The way he treated people—with mercy, understanding, and dignity—deeply inspires me to carry myself with kindness and resilience.

5. My Map

My direction is to become mentally strong, emotionally stable, and someone who brings comfort to others. I want to grow with discipline, self-respect, and clarity, even if the progress is slow.

6. My Mission

My mission is to be someone who listens without judgment and supports others in ways I once needed. I want to create small moments of peace for ppl who feel overwhelmed.

7. My Mountain Haven

My safe place is not a physical location but a feeling moments where I feel understood, where I can breathe without fear, and where I feel a sense of connection and calm.

8. Who is your hero? Who inspires you to keep going?

My hero is Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ❤️. His compassion, patience, and strength in difficult times inspire me to keep moving forward and to treat others with kindness and dignity. 😊

9. What does “scaling compassion” mean to you? How do you contribute?

To me, scaling compassion means creating a ripple effect—where one act of kindness spreads and reaches more people. ❤️

10. What is a ‘Big Rock’ you want to prioritize? How do you schedule it first?

Rn, my biggest challenge is dealing with negativity in my environment. Constant harsh words make it difficult to stay focused and motivated. 

My “Big Rock” is building inner strength and not letting external negativity define me. I am learning to protect my energy, stay focused on my goals, and remind myself that my future is not limited by my current situation.

11. What are some distractions interrupting you?

TBH One of my biggest distractions is spending too much time on 7 Cups 😅. It feels like a safe space where I can finally breathe, which makes it hard to step away.

While it gives me comfort, it also takes time away from focusing on my own growth.

12. What are some waste items taking over your time?

I often spend too much time on my phone in ways that don’t contribute to my goals. This takes away time I could use to improve myself and work toward my future.

I want to become more mindful and start using my time in a way that truly supports my growth.

13. What idea from this part resonated with you?

What stayed with me the most is the idea that compassion is not just a feeling, it’s something active that can quietly change lives. It’s not always about solving problems, but abt being present in a way that makes someone feel less alone.

I realized that connection itself can be healing. Even a small moment of being understood can bring relief. For me, compassion feels like a bridge that helps people breathe a little easier.

14. How will you apply this new idea to support yourself or others in our community?

I want to be more intentional in how I show up for others, listening without judgment, without assumptions, and without trying to fix everything. Just being present and patient.

At the same time, I want to show that same compassion to myself. I will try to balance supporting others while also protecting my own energy and growth. I want to create small spaces where people feel safe to open up, bcuz even the smallest act of compassion can stay with someone longer than we realize. 

🐈🐾

@GlenM

• What brought you to 7 Cups? 

  Answer: I wanted to try and join a supportive community that would be a safe space to learn and to get better at being supportive towards others. I wanted to offer my time and willingness, while improving myself, which is a necessary part of the process. 7 cups offered me a safe and gentle oppurtunity to see myself in a new place and navigate my experiences, while feeling I'm a part of a community and movement that advocates for connection and mental health. 

• Who is your hero? Who is someone who inspires you to paddle?

  Answer: My mother. 

• What is a 'Big Rock' you want to prioritize? How do you make sure you schedule it first?

  Answer: My mental health challenges. Some ways I prioritize this are: by being in therapy, accepting the support of loved ones even if it's hard, being mindfull of my everyday activities (for example spending time with friends, being productive, meditating, doing mental excersises, having boundaries etc) and keeping track of the progress. 

@GlenM 

What Brought Me To 7 Cups?

I joined 7 Cups this year because I can not afford to pay for therapy right now but I do need mental health support. One day, I was on my couch really in need of a therapist and I was searching the internet for affordable rates. I also wanted to become more social in community but I can’t afford to leave the house or go to a lot of social outings so 7 Cups became an online community that I can lean into to support myself without going outside of my budget.

When was the last time you gave freely? How did it make you feel?

The last time I gave freely was to my boyfriend, I just gave him some spare money and it made me feel good because I know that I was helping him. 

What 'surplus' do you bring to the 7 Cups community (e.g., a surplus of time, a specific lived experience, or simply a patient ear)? How does sharing it make you feel?

I bring a surplus of experience to 7 Cups. It does make me feel good to share my experiences on 7 Cups.

Our collective mission is to scale compassion. What does 'scaling compassion' mean to you, and what's one small way you contribute to this big mission?

I scale compassion by being present for the people I work with every day as a counselor. I show up to be present for people who are struggling with addiction. I feel like this is a very compassionate act because in the large mission I’m able to support people.

Q1: Crisis with people I support, emergency work meetings, last minute homework deadlines, problems with family, and unforeseen circumstances in my relationship

Q2: Trying to abide by my calendar, staying on top of bills, trying to plan a little bit of fun to take my mind off of things, I attempt to schedule times with friends to break up the day to day, spending time reading/engaging in 7 Cups, and completing my self care to do list

Q3: Side bar conversations, family dragging me into drama, and irrelevant social media interactions

Q4: Mental health activities, games on my phone, indulging in laying around in my bed, gardening, gossiping

What's one insight from this part that really resonated with you? How will you carry this new insight forward to support yourself or others in our community?

I am a giver and I spend a lot of time talking to others although I don’t really leave the house. I am a very busy person with a full life who has a lot to do. This insight helps me to realize that I can continue to build community to support myself and do better with prioritizing my down time. 

@GlenM

• What brought you to 7 Cups? 

  I'm joining the 7 Cups group because I'm interested in mental health and growing as a person. Even though I wasn't having a crisis, I wanted to learn more about my own life and have a place to think deeply about stress, relationships, and everyday problems. I value the chance to have open, compassionate talks that help me think about things and become more emotionally aware.
  
  I was also drawn by a desire to connect with other people in a useful way. Life can feel lonely at times, and having a place where I can just be heard is very reassuring. A feeling of comfort and balance that is hard to find in everyday life can come from even short exchanges.

• When was a time you gave freely to someone else, and how did it make you feel?

  When a friend was going through tough period in both their personal and professional lives, I gave back freely to someone else. I made it a point to be there for them since I could tell they were overwhelmed. I checked in frequently, listened without attempting to make things right, and provided them with minimal but continuous assistance. Sometimes it was just allowing them to speak. At other times, it helped them in planning their next course of action.
  The importance of that experience was what stuck with me. Being someone people could trust was more important than finding answers to their problems. It quietly gave me a sense of purpose and connection. It also served as a reminder that, even when it isn't obvious right away, demonstrating patience and empathy can make a major impact.

• What 'surplus' do you bring to the 7 Cups community (e.g., a surplus of time, a specific lived experience, or simply a patient ear)? How does sharing it make you feel?

  The "surplus" I bring to the 7 Cups community is a blend of patience, life experience, and a genuine willingness to listen. Through both my professional and personal experiences, I've realized just how important it is for people to feel heard and not judged. I bring a steady presence and the ability to remain with someone's thoughts rather than rushing to fix or respond.

  I also bring a wealth of perspective. I've reached challenging environments and situations that required resilience, reflection, and emotional intelligence. Because of this, I can meet people where they are and recognize that everyone's experience is legitimate, even if it differs from mine.

  Sharing this feels significant and solid. It gives me a sense of purpose to know that just being present for someone else can have an impact. It also reminds me of the importance of connectivity and understanding and how powerful it can be to provide both freely.

• Think of your M’s (on or off 7 Cups). What are they? My Mentor… Map… My Mission… My Mountain Haven…

  My Mentor

  My mentors are not only people, but moments. Some spoke gently and lit the path ahead; others arrived as challenges that transformed me. I keep their lessons close to my heart, like lanterns I can hold up when I'm not sure what to do.

  My Map

  My map is drawn in empathy and patience. It doesn't hurry. It listens. It pauses. It follows the curves of human experience rather than pushing a straight line forward. I trust it to help me through difficult situations with care instead of absolute certainty.

  My Mission

  My mission is simple, yet it's not small. I want others to know that I see them. To feel heard. To sense that their voice matters, even when it's not very loud. If I can help someone else feel understood or secure for even a short time, I have done something important.

  My Mountain Haven

  My mountain refuge is where the noise softens. It lives in quiet spaces, in silence, in the stillness of being alone or outdoors. It's where I get back to myself, remember who I am, and find the peace to come back and give again.

• Who is your hero? Who is someone who inspires you to paddle?

  Rather than being defined by a particular person, my hero is defined by qualities I admire in people who endure in the face of adversity. People who show quiet courage, who keep going when it's more convenient to step back, and who do it with compassion and integrity inspire me.

  If I had to choose just one person, it would be the people who have stood by me when I needed them most, who saw my potential before I did. I credit my continued progress to the inspiration that their words of support gave me.

  They encourage me to "paddle" by showing me that little, discreet actions can yield big results. There are moments when it's deliberate, steady progress. Choosing to keep going might be a challenge at times. What I bring with me is the kind of persistence that is based on compassion and intention.

• Our collective mission is to scale compassion. What does 'scaling compassion' mean to you, and what's one small way you contribute to this big mission?

  For me, “scaling compassion” means making something very personal widely available. Scaling compassion means making sure more people can experience that same sense of empathy, no matter where they are or what they are going through. Empathy need not be rare or limited. Meaningful sharing, expanding, and spreading beyond communities is possible.

  I help accomplish this by actively being present in discussions. I listen without judgment, rush, or need to correct. I work to make people feel safe being honest. Even a quick message may gain from patience and real attention.

  Scaling compassion may not require big deeds. It grows through little, ongoing nurturing moments that grow.

• What is a 'Big Rock' you want to prioritize? How do you make sure you schedule it first?

  One of my "Big Rocks" is making time for meaningful and important work that fits with my long-term goals, especially effort that helps me grow professionally and leave a lasting impression. It's easy to get caught up in the urgent tasks of daily life, but I know that the only way to make real progress is to make time for the things that really count.
  I treat it as a must-do to make sure I get it on the plan first. I set aside time in my schedule for it before other things can come up, and I treat it with the same amount of attention I would a required meeting. I also try to figure out when I can focus the best and do my work during those times, keeping other things out of the way as much as possible.
  This way, I make sure that my goals show through in both what I say is important and how I spend my time.

• What are some Distractions interrupting you?

  I'm frequently interrupted by internal rather than external distractions. It can be difficult to keep focus on what really matters because of the constant demand to react quickly, stay on top of everything at once, and handle competing interests. My focus can be divided by the slight pressure to be effective in multiple areas at the same time.
  Interruptions from the outside world, such emails, messages, and unexpected time demands, can swiftly distract my attention from more detailed, important tasks. It is simple for urgent activities to take priority over critical tasks in busy work situations.
  Additionally, I've observed that mental fatigue can become a distraction in and of itself. Maintaining concentration and intention becomes more difficult when I am stressed out.
  Being aware of these distractions has made it easier for me to manage my time more carefully. I'm trying to set more accurate boundaries, cut down on needless distractions, and shift my attention back to the things that are most important to my goals.

• What are some Waste items taking over other quadrants that you can move today?

  Some of the "waste" items that tend to take over other areas are insignificant jobs that appear urgent but make no real impact to my goals. For me, this frequently involves reading emails or messages several times, excessively preparing or over-editing work, and devoting too much time to administrative processes that could be streamlined.
  Another example of waste is taking on work that might be outsourced or do not require my direct attention. At times, I notice that mental energy is used reviewing situations or discussions that are no longer useful, which can quietly drain focus.
  Today, I can move them by establishing stronger boundaries. I can schedule email and message checks, focus on finishing projects to a satisfactory level rather than perfection, and be more deliberate about what genuinely demands my time and attention. When I catch myself getting stuck on negative thoughts, I can stop and shift my thinking.
  By doing so, I free up more time for the work that is genuinely important to me and better align my priorities.

@GlenM

Part 4: Closing Reflections: 

• What's one insight from this part that really resonated with you?

  One thing that really hit home for me was the idea that not everything that seems urgent is really crucial. It made me stop and think about how easily I can be dragged away from my long-term goals by short-term needs.

  That made me think differently. It made me remember that being mindful with my time isn't only about getting things done; it's also about being in tune. If I'm not careful, I can put a lot of work into things that make me feel like I'm making progress but don't really move me forward.

  This understanding made me realize how important it is to take a step back, figure out what really matters, and make mindful choices about where to put my attention.

• How will you carry this new insight forward to support yourself or others in our community?

  Taking this awareness to heart, I will make better use of my time and energy going forward. Instead of just responding to what feels urgent, I need to stop and think about if my attention is really in line with what matters most. The decision to give preference to direction over progress is a serious one.

  I want to put this knowledge to use by setting an example of deliberate interpersonal behavior for my fellow community members. In the future, I promise to pay closer attention while people are speaking, not to jump to conclusions, and to focus on the meaning behind the words rather than on how they sound at first. By doing so, I may contribute to an environment that encourages thoughtful consideration over quick answers.

  By putting lasting worth ahead of instant gratification, I hope to better support myself and others in the long run.