Asking for Help

We have been taught not to ask for help. In this society that we live in self-reliance has been stressed over and over again. In school we are taught not to disturb others, and to work independently. At work socialization is frowned upon. In society asking others for help is often looked upon as a weakness.

However, there is a time to ask for help, and to ask for as much as you need. It is all to common for people in difficult positions to ask for a little help, just enough to get by, but not enough to make things easier. When you are fleeing an abusive situation, or living on the street, it is time to put pride aside, and don't set limits on how much you can receive from others.

There will come a time when you can repay others, or that you will assist, and while you are struggling you need to gain all the strength you can, and generally this comes in the form of outside help. Needing help could mean going to a food bank so you have enough to keep the electrical bill paid, writing a letter to a summer camp for your kids to get a subsidized spot, moving into a shelter or getting Employment Insurance or Welfare to help you pay for a course, so be it.

Despite what we have been taught, people love to help. The opportunity to assist us may meet important needs another has. It may give that person a sense of being useful. It might help them to become a better person, and to feel good about themselves.

If you are ready to make serious changes in your life, ALWAYS ask for help. In the end, you will end up more grateful to those that helped you and they will be happy to have assisted you in your changes.

Just like the song says " I get by with a little help from my friends."