For some reason we have convinced ourselves that we have to get there alone, that we have to reach our dreams on our own terms, without any help. We feel strange and have to struggle for a long while before we accept any help from anyone or look for their assistance. We spin our wheels, break numerous pencils, and try to accomplish what with someone else’s help we could conquer better and in a fraction of the time.
It doesn’t really matter why that is. It makes no real difference in the end, to find out the sociological, psychological, and anthropological reasons for our lack of courage. It is more important to overcome our timid nature and engage others who have been where we want to be, an ask for some help, some guidance, and some much needed expertise.
Ask for help. Don’t reject yourself. Allow others to tell you no, that they can’t do it, won’t do it, or are incapable of doing it. Don’t stop before you begin. Learn to accept any answer that comes your way, but you will be pleasantly surprised how many people will be willing and happy to come to your aid.
It’s part of who we are as people. There is a little child in all of us, no matter how old you get, that doesn’t care about money, about risk, about where you’re been, or how often you’ve failed. That little child just extends their hand and offers their mind and heart and helps you get to work.
Ask for their help. You need it. You might be ashamed of it, but there is no reason for it. Everyone, no matter how rich, successful, or influential, has gotten there by standing on the shoulders of giants. The ideals of anarchy and nihilism are nonsensical. Everything we have, everything we are, and everything we know, has come from somewhere, was given to us by someone. The whole world is one interconnected web of human beings that push and pull reality this way and that. We are call connected and with some help we are able to make a big impact in the circle of influence we yield.
You don’t have to brave it alone. You will waste too much time, get down on yourself, burn too many resources and money. It is better to know what you are doing and why you are doing it. If you want to get rich, don’t ask people with no money. If you want a happy relationship, don’t seek advice from friends who are having marital affairs. Focus on what you need and find, not to mention accept advice and assistance from those who have been there.
Some societies outside of North America know something that is taking us a very long time to accept and figure out. The elders are the key to everything. We discard the elderly. We tuck them away in homes. We see them as a burden, and we count down the days when they will die and we can inherit their properties and money. But those seniors, those elders are treasure keepers. They are story tellers we much listen to intently. For our own sake, and for the sake of our own children.
Ask for help. Find it in places you would not otherwise expect it. You don’t have to do it alone. Working alone is not how the universe works in the first place. Every action has a natural and opposite reaction. Act and learn how to be acted upon. Ask for help, and help those who ask in turn.
Cover photo generously provided by photographer Huyen Nguyen via unsplash.com
