Life doesn’t have to be as difficult as we make it, and neither does asking for or receiving help. We are designed to work together and walk through life supporting each other. Unfortunately, society often teaches us a different story. One that tells us that in order to have value we need to be independent and “stand on our own two feet.” The truth is that we never stand or sit without support from other people and the world around us. We are interdependent and inextricably connected.
This truth has been very difficult for me to practice. Anyone that knows me knows how independent I think I am and how hard I try to not need anyone or anything. But just like you, I need love, belonging and support, and that requires asking for help and the willingness to accept it with grace and humility.
Life is a flurry of ups and downs and constant change. When the tough times come, we tend to add to the difficulty by thinking and doing things that exacerbate the challenges. Learning how to identify what we’re doing and how we’re thinking about what’s happening strips away the static we’re causing and gives us a clearer view for finding solutions or living in difficulty with greater ease.
