Asking can be a real challenge for people. I know it is for me.
Just as critical as the act of asking, is being able to RECEIVE. That one sometimes makes me even more uncomfortable than asking.
But asking and receiving, or more specifically, being open to receive, is essential to developing healthy authentic human connection.
How many times has someone asked for your help and you were flattered and gladly offered your assistance? Feels good, doesn’t it?
The act of asking can actually be a very generous gesture. People often WANT to help.
I’ve been thinking about, and practicing, both asking and receiving lately. As an entrepreneur it’s impossible to succeed unless you master the art of both. I’ve also been listening to The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer on Audible. I highly recommend it!
Last week was a crazy busy week (I actually dislike using the term ‘crazy busy’ and try to both avoid using the phrase and creating circumstances in my life that can be described as such).
Anyway, I was juggling a lot of balls and reached out to ask for a little help.
What I received was BIG help, in more ways than I bargained and from others who jumped in to offer more than I had asked.
One example occurred while preparing for a Holistic Happy Hour that I hosted in my home Friday night. I had so much else on my plate, that the night before I was exhausted and hadn’t had time to do any prepare. I needed to reach out and ask for some help.
Before I could blink, I had someone stepping in as bartender and bringing lots of supplies (and ice- you know every party always needs extra ice!), a friend scouting out drink recipes and bringing other supplies, guests bringing food, another friend coming hours early to set up and prep, and my husband cooking the entire evening before.
Normally I’d feel quite guilty about this, but I decided to stay in a place of gratitude and enjoy receiving.
The night was a huge success and while it still feels somewhat uncomfortable to ask and receive, it also truly felt good to allow people to help and be willing to receive the help.
Where can you practice the art of asking in your life?