When was the last time you asked for help?

Society paints an image of the multi-tasking woman who can do everything by herself and it suggests that only soft (read: weak) women need help. So is it any wonder that we find it so hard to ask for help, when we are struggling?

That aside, why is it so tough? I believe it is because we think that by admitting that there is something we don’t know or need help with, we are admitting to being les-than-perfect and that this is somehow a weakness. Yes, we are admitting that we have limitations but, I am sorry to be the one to break it to you; we all have limitations, we are all less-than-perfect. It is part of being human.

So, if none of us are perfect, then why would it be so terrible to show it? Isn’t it silly how we bend over backwards, lie, hide and sometimes hurt ourselves and others, just to avoid the words “I am human. I am not perfect. I need help.”?

Being imperfect suggests that we are not capable of doing everything, and that we cannot possibly be good at everything. So, would the wise, logical and sane thing not be to cooperate with others who are good t the things we struggle with and vice versa? And would it not actually be a strength to say “I know I am not perfect, I am not able to do this alone – can you help me?”. Know that this is perfectly ok and acceptable. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try something new or outside your comfort zone, but by knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you are better able to stop and get backup before you get too run down, burned out, stressed and overwhelmed.

If others are giving you a hard time when you ask for help, remind them that they too are human beings; not by pointing out their weaknesses, but simply by reminding them that we all need help once in a while. Though we all are individual people and unique beings, I don’t believe that we are separate entities entirely. I believe we are all connected and that is why helping each others, and asking for help, can be a strong and important part of our lives and community.

It is a way of deepening our relationships to each other, our trust and understanding of each other. It is also a way to deepen our trust, understanding and faith in ourselves and our own ability. By knowing yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, you are better able to give yourself credit where credit is due, and create changes where you are unsatisfied. You are better able to accept yourself for who you are. Asking for help is a good, first step.

So be brave and ask for help today.