Book Series 7: Asking for Help & Relying On Others

Being resourceful is the second defining element of emotional strength. Particularly important in being resourceful is having the ability to depend on others. It involves being comfortable with your need for both independence and dependence, as well as your feelings associated with both.

When you are open to and willing to rely on others, it becomes much easier for you to:

a) acknowledge your needs and limitations
b) ask for help
c) openly and warmly receive what is given (support, love, time, energy, etc.)

We are in an ‘individualistic culture’ and those who ask for help, appear to be weak.  However, we are social beings and there is very little we can do 100% on our own.  Asking for help is what it takes to become emotionally strong.

Asking opens the door to the last step: to receive graciously. It is appropriate to absorb what is good and to feel grateful for the appreciation and support of others. When others extend their assistance, wisdom, availability, time, talents, or enthusiasm to you, unquestionably, they are giving of themselves. Gracious receipt of their generosity not only meets whatever needs you may have, it also honors them. When you allow yourself to receive, thus honor, you have reached that harmonious balance between independence and dependence.

This weeks question:

Do you find it easy to ask for help?  Are you open to receiving help?

Do you think ‘about’ your experiences or think them ‘away’?