We’re Drowning in Advice, But Starving for Connection

You finally open up. Maybe it’s about your child’s meltdowns. Maybe it’s how exhausted you are holding everything together. Maybe it’s just one of those days where you’re barely staying afloat.

And before you’ve even finished your sentence, the responses start rolling in:

 “You should try this…”

 “What worked for us was…”

 “Have you looked into…?”

They mean well. But instead of feeling supported, you walk away feeling... unheard. Like your pain got turned into a project. Like there wasn’t space for what you were really trying to say.

Sometimes we’re not looking for advice. We’re looking for a connection. 

Advice is everywhere. It’s in the books, the podcasts. We’re constantly surrounded by tips, tools and strategies, and don’t get us wrong, they all have their place. But when someone is raw, hurting, or overwhelmed, it’s not always what they need first.

Most of the time, when someone opens up, it’s not because they’re unsure what to do. It’s because they’re carrying something heavy and want someone to help hold it. They want to feel seen in their struggle. They want their emotions acknowledged. And when we respond too quickly with solutions, we can unintentionally miss the heart of what they’re sharing. If we sat with it for a little longer, we could then likely come to a resolution quicker too. When someone feels really heard and understood, only then can we move forward.

Even the kindest advice can land the wrong way if it’s not invited. Like your feelings don’t matter as much as finding a fix. 

We see this all the time -  especially in our Wildflower community, where many of you are parents navigating big, complex journeys. You open up about your child’s anxiety, their school struggles, or the weight you’re carrying - and suddenly, you’re hit with a tidal wave of solutions. Maybe those solutions are valid - but for some reason they don’t land. Because what you really needed in that moment was someone to say: “That sounds so hard. I’m here with you.”

Holding space for someone doesn’t mean staying silent or saying nothing. It just means letting their experience be the centre of the conversation. It’s choosing to sit beside them in their discomfort instead of rushing to make it go away. It’s saying:

“I can’t fix this, but I’m here.” 

“I’m listening.” 

“You’re not alone.”

And if you’re the one who’s struggling?

It’s okay to say, 

“I’m not looking for advice right now. I just need someone to hold this with me.”

That’s not a weakness. That’s wisdom.  It’s one of the most powerful things you can ask for.

Sometimes what we need is for someone to sit in the mud with us. 

Because being deeply heard is one of the most healing experiences we can have. And when we create space for that,  we offer something far more meaningful than advice.

We offer real, human connection.

Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, holding space for your child, or just feeling burnt out — we’re here to meet you where you are.

No judgment. No quick fixes. Just grounded, compassionate support.