Weak or Wise?

Notice you’re worth it.

I came across a quote this weekend that read:

“There’s no trophy at the end for doing everything alone, and you’re not weak for asking for help. Every single time that you open up about your struggles and find ways to support other women, you are being devastatingly brave”.

Wow, is there so much truth in that. I find myself often telling the story of my life as “I raised my kids alone”, “I became who I am as an artist with no support from family”, “I built my business and learned what I know with no formal education, again on my own”. I tell my story that way because I’m proud of where I’ve ended up considering where I’ve come from.

But is it such a bad idea to ask for help? Help with “life” stuff. Stuff like I’m struggling, I’m lost, I’m depressed and don’t exactly know why.  Also stuff like, I just really don’t know what I’m doing. Did you know that not knowing something doesn’t make you stupid? Why is it we think we need to know everything? Why is it so hard to wrap my head around the idea that you might actually know better than me? Why can’t I admit that in most parts of my life, I am not an expert?

Oh and then there’s when I’m having what in my mind is a ridiculous crazy, devastating moment? You know the ones that usually pass in a day or so, but at the time they’re happening are life altering. Come on, you know exactly what I’m talking about. What if there were people in your life who didn’t judge you for those? Who gently helped you off the ledge all the time reminding you “you got this”.

Photo: Women teaming up together to support each other in Montclair, NJ

I’ve decided being strong, being fulfilled, being successful doesn’t mean you go it alone, it means you teamed up with good people who want you at your best. It means your relationships are give and take. And that give and take isn’t the kind that is measured and held in comparison. It’s the kind of give and take that says, I’ll be there, you can count on me, I won’t let you down.

Reality is, there have been people helping me all along. I may have not recognized it or even appreciated it as much as I should have, but they were there. I didn’t get where I am today, with my family, my work, or my art by myself. And I honestly apologize to those who I dismissed and didn’t acknowledge when they were helping because I was too busy being independent.

Today I am proud of the the support I have, not the lack of it. I recognize the people who stand with me. I also know how when I put myself in a place of asking I’m making myself vulnerable, and that can be really scary. Can I tell you how worth it it is? That when you find the people who truly support you and let them in what a brave and incredibly beautiful thing it is?

To my friends who supported me and the Girl Noticed initiative on this last fundraising drive, I can’t thank you enough. In two weeks we sold 30 shirts and raised $350. Not too shabby.

I’ve got my arms around all of you, and together we lift each other up. We’re all worth it.

Thank you to the following awesome ladies, and one awesome guy, who ordered “Just Being Me” shirts. Make sure to send me photos. Can’t wait to see everyone wearing them!