it's okay to ask for help

Right from the time we grow up until we’re young adults, we have no apprehension about asking for help. In fact, without help from our parents and loved ones, it would have been immensely difficult for us to survive and become who we are today. But once we reach a certain point of time in adulthood — which can be different for everyone — a switch happens within us and we hesitate to ask for help.

No matter where you have grown up or what culture you’re a part of, we humans pride ourselves on strength, independence and self-reliance. It fuels both our ego and our confidence. 

But the truth is that we are all going to experience valleys of darkness and encounter demons, both within and without. We’ll all come across phases when we will struggle and find it difficult to overcome the resistance that stops us from moving ahead. We’re all going to have moments when it won’t be possible to stand by ourselves and do things alone. And in those moments, it’ll be wise to let go of our “lone ranger” mindset and know that it’s okay to lean on others. 

We can allow ourselves to be weak and reach out for assistance and love from the people around us. It’s okay to step outside of our protective shell, be vulnerable and ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness, but of strength. 

It’s okay to need people and ask for their help and guidance. It’s okay to not be able to fight through challenges and through the chaos of the world alone. As Marcus Aurelius wrote in his journal, “Don’t be ashamed of needing help. You have a duty to fulfill just like a soldier on the wall of battle. So what if you are injured and can’t climb up without another soldier’s help?”