It’s kind of our human nature, especially with people we love, for us to want to rush in and fix things when they have a problem. We instinctively want to take their pain away every time they struggle with a situation.

However, this isn’t always what they need. Sometimes, the people in our lives just want to be seen, heard or understood and they don’t need us to show up with our “toolbox” full of solutions. 

“What do you need from me right now?”

In asking this simple question we move from the position of ‘problem solver’ to someone who truly cares about what the other person actually wants or needs from us. Do they just want us to shut-up and listen? Or are they actually looking for our advice and input?

Today on The Karen Kenney Show, we’re looking at ways we can be there for someone without automatically stepping in and trying to fix their situation without their permission.

When we ask people the question, “What do you need from me right now?”, we’re giving them the opportunity to check in with themselves first, so they can tell us what it is they actually want.

It’s not enough to just be silent when they come to us with a problem either, because perhaps they do want our advice or for us to share a part of our story that could help them figure out their own.

There’s a skill when it comes to being there for the people in our lives that involves paying attention, listening deeply and asking them what it is that they truly need. If we don’t, we run the risk of being overbearing or not being the one they come to with their next struggle.

When we lead with this one question and truly tune into what the people in our lives need from the standpoint of being helpful rather than fixing, it can change everything!

KK's Key Takeaways

• This Is A Question I Ask Myself (5:49)

• What Do You Need From Me Right Now? (7:05)

• Cannon Balling In (13:08)

• Do You Want Comfort Or Solutions? (17:57)

• I Don’t Show Up With An Agenda (23:18)

• Asking For Help (30:13)

Karen Kenney is a certified Spiritual Mentor, author, speaker, and the host of The Karen Kenney Show Podcast. She’s also the founder of THE NEST - an online spiritual membership & community.

She’s been a student & guide of A Course in Miracles for close to three decades, a yoga teacher for 20+ years and is a longtime practitioner of Passage Meditation. She’s also a Gateless Writing Instructor & workshop facilitator and is currently working on a memoir.

KK grew up in Lawrence & Boston, MA, and graduated from BU with a degree in Communications. She’s known for her storytelling, her sense of humor, her love of the Divine and her “down-to-earth” practical approach to Spirituality. Her signature process: Your Story to Your Glory™ - helps people transform their old stories of victimization & suffering, so they can choose Love over fear, improve their most important relationships, deepen their connection to Self, Source & Spirit, and live from a place of forgiveness, flow, freedom & fun!

A sought-after speaker, spiritual teacher, and thought leader for podcasts, shows, live events, and mastermind programs, Karen's been invited to speak & teach on various platforms, stages & retreat centers across the country, including the renowned Omega Institute for Holistic Studies.

You can learn more & connect with KK at: www.karenkenney.com