I’ve heard all the good advice regarding how to ask for help, but it is still very difficult for me. Even when people offer help, I hear myself turning them down. Am I afraid to let others see that I can’t handle it all? It’s funny because I expect my husband to be able to ask me for help and get upset when he doesn’t, yet it’s something I can’t do for myself?

My first hurdle seems to be actually admitting that I need help. I come from a long line of capable people, it’s hard to accept that there may be a task I can’t do. Then I have to get my head around the fact that it is okay to ask and that maybe I deserve to receive help. I don’t have to be able to do it all myself, I can let others carry some of the load and it doesn’t take away from who I am or who I want to be. In fact, accepting assistance often makes it easier for me to achieve my goals and be a better, happier person.

So, I will revisit some of the things I have heard from the experts. I will make a list of tasks that I could use help with and keep it handy. Then, when someone says “what can I do?”, I will have something useful to offer. If I open up some and let others in to help, it will strengthen my bonds with friends and family and will give us all more opportunities to share. If I learn to accept their help maybe I will be able to return the favor one of these days.