Confession time: I used to be the kind of person who HATED to ask for help.
I took pride in doing “everything” myself, and stubbornly refused help when it was offered.
Going from “the helper” to being helped
When I first got sick in my early 20s, it was very hard to go from “the helper” to suddenly needing to ask for help…even if I didn’t WANT to!
But now, fast forward 20 years, and I’m proud to say I have (mostly) overcome my reluctance to ask for help.
Taking Pressure Off Yourself
I’ve taken the pressure off myself to be superwoman and developed the ability to take comfort in receiving assistance, not only defining myself as being the “helper.”
No One can Do it Alone
The fact is, as much as American culture would have you believe humans were meant to be “rugged individuals,” in human history most every human culture has *needed* each other to survive. We are stronger when we both provide and receive help.
Overcoming Perfectionism in the Holidays
The holidays are a time especially when perfectionistic people tend to go overboard and burn themselves out…not to mention perfectionistic people-pleasers who also have fatiguing chronic illnesses!
Let this just be your gentle reminder to ask for help and receive it gracefully if it’s offered.
Receiving help is a gift
Today, I see the support and help I receive as a massive gift, one I feel such deep gratitude for as I know not all are so fortunate to have a support system.
What about you – have you also struggled to ask for help? Have you grieved the “helper” side of you when your illnesses has taken away your energy / ability to be the helper? Let me know in the comments…you are not alone <3
PS. I purchased this adorable “it’s ok to ask for help” shirt from the amazing website “selfcareisforeveryone.com,” check out their instagram at @selfcareisforeveryone. The shirt itself is here.
It’s part of my master “chronic illness owned businesses to support this holiday season” which you can find on my website here.
