Accepting Assistance

For most of my adult life, I’ve done my best to be there and available to assist others when needed. When someone needed to move to another apartment or house or advice about investments, or lending a compassionate ear, I’ve seen myself as someone who would always be there for his friends.

One of the lessons I’ve learned over the last several years - it’s less challenging more me to give assistance than accept assistance.

When I have to ask for help it shows others I’m vulnerable. I show them that everything isn’t perfect. I show them that for whatever reason, I’m not able to handle a particular situation. I don’t enjoy that feeling. I don’t like it and I’ve done an extraordinary job at avoiding the situation and feeling.

What just occurred while writing the last paragraph is my unwillingness to accept assistance deprives others of the enjoyment similar to what I receive when I offer assistance. So moving forward I’ll do what I can do to continue to be available to others but also also myself to be transparent and honest and willing to show others when I am in need of assistance and be willing to accept their assistance.

Today, Saturday, June 1, 2019, I am grateful that:

I’ve been able to render assistance. It’s an incredible feeling to help those when needed.

I’m willing to accept assistance. I don’t enjoy the feeling but the consolation is I am comforted knowing, hopefully, those who offer me assistance may get similar or greater feelings of enrichment that I receive when I help others.

I have a circle of friends who offer assistance, sometimes with me asking or when I don’t. The great thing about lasting and meaningful relationships is the depth and impact of those conversations leading to an mutual understanding of each other’s life and current situations. My ever expanding circle knows how to read my current situation and offer assistance when I need it most.

Render Assistance. Accept Assistance. Be Impactful!