here's to asking!

i like to help.

i love it. 

i want to offer.

i'd go that extra stretch for 

my friends

the kids

my girls

my people.

even that friendly

stranger in the store.

it's just

how it is.

we all enjoy helping.

and we'd want it no

other way.

right?

of course.

but 

when the time comes

that i might have to

ask 

for help...

i stop.

i pause.

i struggle.
i can't.

i couldn't ask her to do that!
that'd be silly!

my thoughts twirl and mix

together each working to

convince each other.

it's fine.
it'll be fine.

i'll just take care of it.
it's fine.
i'll be fine.

no really.

i will.

i convince myself.

over and over.

when it comes to ourselves.

it's harder

perhaps impossible

to do that one unimaginable thing:

ask.

this is when

the curse of living in a culture

that values 

self sufficiency and independence 

above most other things 

cripples 

instead of empowers.

the other day.

i offered to my friend,
to help.

she laughed. 

she paused. 

she thought. 

she bit her lower lip gently, kindly.

...wondering.

then she did something bold.

something i've come to

believe is counter cultural,

out of the norm, strong and 

incredibly brave.

she accepted my offer.

she asked.

and so today.
this one thing
that my friend could have done herself...
we got to do it together.

today i was gifted to be the

giver

but quite honestly, i was more inspired by

her ability and acceptance to receive.

just receive.

why is receiving 

sometimes so much harder 

than giving?

so here's to asking!

because actually, it made my day.