The Courage to Ask for and Accept Help

“Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It’s one of the bravest things you can do. And it can save your life.”—Lily Collins

We live in a world where asking for help has become mostly taboo. The wisdom to ask for a helping hand when we badly need it is regarded as a weakness and a confession of defeat. And sometimes when we see someone in need, we criticize them, blaming them for what they did or omitted to do, thus strengthening our prejudice.

The “self-made” attitude has become a badge of honor, the paragon of success and triumph, the ultimate goal. On our life’s journey, the less we request help, the better we are.

Men have to carry the overwhelming burden of masculinity silently. They are asked to man up. They are also told that only girls cry, that feeling tired is an unforgivable weakness, and asking for help is a shame. These attitudes are the direct causes of intense suffering and mental breakdown.

However, we all need one another; we all rely on each other to make our life worth living. Without the work of countless individuals, we would not be enjoying all the facilities available to humankind today. Think about all the inventions, all the innovations, all the care, all the services…

So, we are all partaking in what humans can achieve, and we can also contribute to that richness too. And asking for help in an interdependent world is not a curse—it is what we are supposed to do when our burden becomes too heavy to bear. We are allowed to seek help. We are human.

Finally, asking for help is not just a survival skill: it is an opportunity for growth. When we ask for help, we give ourselves the chance to grow, heal, and connect with one another—thus enhancing each other’s earthly journey.

“When we accept the fact that we can’t do everything, we are more willing to ask for and accept help when we do anything.”—Simon Sinek