Igniting the Next Generation of YOU! Ask for help!
If I conducted a "Lessons Learned" or "Post Mortem" session for my move (see you can never stop the project manager in me, I have a spreadsheet for my move!) the first lesson would be, ask for help and the second lesson would be, allow people to help you! I don't believe I am alone here, so let's talk.
I consider myself a helper. I'm a coach for goodness sakes, I help people all the time. Clients. Workshop participants. Strangers in the grocery store (who can't reach the item on the top shelf).
I'm a helper. So why is it that I don't ask for help or I refuse help when it is offered? I know that I am NOT Superwoman (though I do have a few super powers!).
There are many factors for me but the two big one are: 1) I don't want to inconvenience someone else and 2) the stubborn Capricorn in me think she can do it all, all the time. Let's continue.
When someone asks me for help, I usually do my best to answer honestly and take action. I don't feel inconvenienced, I feel good when I am able to help another person. So, why would I deny someone else that feeling?
And if you have known me for more than 5 minutes, you know that I try to do it all and sometimes crash. The crash usually isn't pretty...crying, self-doubt, panic, fear. The usual suspects show up. And yet I know this and still try to do it all.
I was so thankful the day I allowed one of my dear friends to help me pack. Maybe I refused the help because I was embarrassed by all of my stuff (yes, I do own more than 10 cookie sheets and muffin pans!). She was very helpful in getting me focused and the garage organized and many boxes packed for the move. We laughed, we had lunch and we made progress. And we have good stories and memories today!
So, ask for help when you need it. Be willing to allow others to be a helper and feel the good feelings. And always be grateful for your friends and family and all of the gifts in your life.
Self care is important, and allowing your friends to help is part of the journey.
We will continue our discussion next month...xoxo Deb
