Ask for help
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
The advice…
If you need help, ask for help.
Where it’s coming from…
It’s so simple really. Or, at least, it should be. But it’s not always – at least not for many women I know. Sometimes three little words can make a massive difference. I’m talking about the words: ‘I need help’.
I’ve noticed this with many women around me, myself included. We get inundated by daily routine. Overwhelmed by the struggle that comes with the whole juggling act: working, looking after children, running a household, making sure the kids have everything for extracurriculars, lunches, crafts etc. Then dealing with the unexpected: ageing parents, sick children, unforeseen expenses. All while putting aside the stuff we need and want to do - and dealing with personal emotions.
And, for a long time it’s okay. Most of the time it’s okay.
But sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it’s daunting. Exhausting. Sometimes it feels like too much.
Then we think to ourselves: ‘but others have it so much worse, why am I the one to complain?’ We tell ourselves: ‘suck it up and get on with it’.
But why? Why not recognise that, when we need help, we can simply ask. It could be turning to a partner and asking: ‘I’m not coping with work this week, can you pick up the kids from football?’ Or reaching out to a trusted friend for a chat and a vent. Or, perhaps, asking a colleague for help to get an idea off the ground. And, if need be, why not? It could be seeking professional help through therapy.
Let’s learn to ask for help. To realise that, if we are struggling, it’s just as real as when others are struggling. It’s okay to ask for help.
Once upon a time, it took a village to raise a child. That is still true today… but women are trying to do it alone. While juggling other stuff.
Once upon a time, there was a strong sense of community because everyone understood how tough things can get - on an everyday level. We’ve lost that to a rushed, often isolated, life.
But things could be different.
It’s okay to reach out. To connect. To ask for help.