HELP! and kerry washington...

I never used to ask for help. I believed that doing it alone meant I was strong and capable, and to ask for help suggested weakness. I never understood why the teachers at school encouraged us to ask questions because I thought I was supposed to just know it all, and to ask a question would show I didn’t understand, and again show weakness. 
 
When I was struggling with something I didn’t want to burden anyone else with it or take up space in a conversation to talk about it. So, my struggles were silent. 
 
This has been a huge unlearning for me, a tricky layer to unwrap, and in recent years I’ve made a conscious effort to take up space and ask for help. And ask for help without that apologetic tone in my voice. I’ve also made a conscious effort to accept help. 
 
Over the past few months I’ve been reaching out to fellow coaches and wellness professionals to ask for opinions, advice and to share challenges. And I’ve accepted the help of friends who’s input and ideas I value so much! This week I joined a wellbeing focussed networking group and felt so supported, challenged and inspired.
 
I now know that to ask questions is anything but weak, to not understand is anything but bad, and to surround yourself with great people and ask for, and accept, their support and help only makes everyone stronger. 
 
Without this unlearning I would not be where I am now. I’m grateful to everyone who’s helped along the way, and I’m so grateful I learnt it was safe to ask for help. 

Kerry Washington's Unlearning...

Last year I listened to an interview with Kerry Washington, and came across it again this week. I want to share a little snippet of the interview with you that really resonated with me. 

She says... 
 
"I think I'm working to unlearn the belief that I am not enough, that I am less important and less deserving. I understood that there was something sacred about sacrificing my own need or desire, or truth even, to make space for someone else’s journey. I've placed so much value on other people's sense of joy and goodness and safety that I've been willing to sacrifice my own sense of joy and goodness and safety. And I don't regret it, I think it's not wrong to care about how other people feel and want to do what's right for other people. I'm just learning to let myself be one of those people, to include myself. I need to be as important as the other people. I'm considering that I deserve that."
 

You can hear the full interview here. It's a great listen!