Asking For Help

The way we think about asking for help has a big impact upon the process of our growth and healing. There is so much talk about dependence and independence in our culture that I wonder at times that our efforts to be autonomous lack community building and invite isolation. In coaching there is the concept of interdevelopment. This a process of building relationships which support mutual growth through synergy and collaboration.

The following are ideas and actions which can enhance you're ability to ask for and receive help:

1. Realize that asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. When you seek help in appropriate ways you are helping yourself. You also then by your example encourage others to ask for help.

2. Timing is important. Being proactive in asking for help before you hurt yourself by trying to do everything on your own takes care of the problem at hand and the one you would be creating.

3. Seek assistance which strengthens you. With the exception of true emergencies, asking others to rescue you and be responsible for your health and well being will most likely weaken you and undermine your confidence and your immune system.

4. Choose professionals to help you in the healing process who respect your observations and insights. When the healing relationship is a partnership then you are empowered by strengthening your healing abilities.

5. Look in a professional's tool box before you hire them to do therapeutic work. For example if you need someone to sell you drugs or work with knives, then choose someone of the surgical medical profession. If you need assistance releasing muscles or energetic blocks then a massage therapist, chiropractic physician, sports medicine physician, or energy therapist would be a wiser choice.

6. Seek helpers who think holistically. There are times when a specialist is necessary. Generally though, if you fix only the symptom or crisis without looking at the bigger picture you may be revisited by the problem.

7. Remember you are the one in the driver's seat. It's your life. No matter how many friends or professionals advise you, you are the who will make the choice.

We were created to work together in partnership and communtity with other humans. Asking for help is a natural part of this. Smile ! Enjoy !