Giving In

I had a really meaningful chat with my mentor yesterday about asking for help during my upcoming surgery and recovery. It made me realize something important…

I’m one of those super independent types who hate asking for help. I’d rather tough it out and struggle than admit I need support. This comes from how I grew up. My mom, a single mom, worked long hours to make sure I and my step-sister had everything we needed. I had to do a lot for myself as a kid and figure out how to get by.

Matt (my mentor) and I talked about how letting people help us out will make them feel good about themselves. Even a small task can make a big difference when someone feels helpless.

Matt shared how after his own recent surgery, he let a friend move some clothes in bins from an upstairs bedroom to the garage for him. It was a simple task, but it meant a lot to his friend. Matt wanted to help, but he realized that letting his friend do it would make a difference in both of their lives.

Relying on others helps us realize that we’re important to others too. I’ve gotten so many offers of help from people I never thought I’d get it from. It’s made me realize that I’ve had a bigger impact on others than I thought. It really makes me emotional every time I experience it.

There’s a lot of selfish stuff going on these days, and it’s only going to get worse before it gets better. But in the end, we’re all in this together. We don’t need to feel ashamed when we ask for help. And we need to be ready to help those who need it when we can.

So the next time someone asks what they can do for me, I’m going to think of something for them to do, no matter how small. I’m blessed to have the support system I have — and never realized was there.