I call it circling...
I'm sitting in an empty dining room, sipping soup, trying to download tax forms... All unusual behaviors at an odd time of day.
A 'strong' member of our crew suddenly appears and kind of stands in front of me. Doesn't say a word.
Are you okay? I ask even though their face clearly says otherwise.
They suddenly open up and tell me what's going on, we hug, I offer a few words, we hug again.
They thank me and say "I feel better now"...
It's these moments that count the most to me. Being able to support crew members. No magical words really, just love and support. Being able to provide a safe space to quietly release, where nothing will be repeated and a check in later will come later.
This is a tough job we have all undertaken. We leave family, friends, and all that is familiar to us and travel halfway around the world. We then bond with people and form community in a fish bowl with transient people, as crew members come and go. We each have a job and we each provide support to each other in our own unique special way.
I usually pick up on those circling and it fills my heart to be able to support others.
If you can please support me so I can continue doing so.