Asking for help is a humbling process, for it reminds us that we are not meant to be experts at everything and that, contrary to our prideful belief, we do need others. No man is an island; no matter how much we pretend that we are in full control of ourselves and our lives, we aren’t. Simply put, we depend on others and others depend on us.
I am working on a project right now on which I need help, but it has taken a few nights of emotional breakdowns and resistance to my own pride to reach out to those who I know can be of assistance. It’s a hard thing to ask for help from friends and those you love because they expect and want nothing in return. That’s the beautiful thing about love — it’s not earned or paid for, but given generously and without any expectations. Accepting grace and love without feeling like you deserve it is one of the hardest things we need to learn how to do as human beings.
Last night, I stumbled upon inadvertently asking for help from my good friend Nicole, and found that not only could she give me some tips or guidance, but that her knowledge and expertise was an answer to my prayers. Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, I immediately insisted on paying her for her knowledge, which of course, she refused. I had arrived that evening overwhelmed with a burden of stress, I left overwhelmed with love, gratitude and peace. That’s the beauty of friendship and family.
Invite others onto your island. Ask for help from those you love when you need it and kick your pride into the water for good.