As women, we've often been the caretakers, the nurturers, the glue that holds everything together. Our roles have traditionally been to support everyone else, to make sure that things run smoothly for those we love. But here's the thing—when it comes to asking for help ourselves, many of us hesitate. We cringe at the thought of appearing weak or dependent, and the idea of admitting that we can’t do it all on our own can feel like failure. But let’s take a moment to reframe this.
The Struggle with Asking for Help
We live in a world that celebrates independence and self-sufficiency, particularly for women who are breaking barriers in every field. However, this can also lead to an overwhelming pressure to meet high standards in every aspect of our lives—career, family, health, and more. For many of us, the thought of relying on others is terrifying because, frankly, sometimes the help we receive doesn’t quite meet our needs.
I’ve been there. For me, this has been a big challenge. When I’ve relied on others, I’ve often felt let down, like they didn’t support me in the way I truly needed. This experience left me feeling like it was better to just do everything myself. But here’s what happens when you take everything on alone—you get burnt out. You get stressed. You feel overwhelmed. And eventually, you start to unravel.
We Can’t Do It All—And That’s Okay
It’s important to acknowledge that we’re not designed to do everything perfectly, or to be everything to everyone. This is a truth that many of us know deep down, but it’s a truth we often struggle to accept. The reality is, trying to juggle every ball without ever dropping one is not just unrealistic—it’s harmful.
We need to recognize the importance of creating a positive support system for ourselves, not just for the sake of getting things done, but for our mental health and overall well-being. Without that support, it’s easy to start feeling isolated, like you’re stranded on an island with no lifeline. And that’s when things really start to fall apart.
The Importance of Positive Support
Even if we have some support in our lives, it’s not always the kind of support that truly lifts us up. I remember when I first wanted to be a makeup artist. My dad, who was always very supportive, told me I needed to get a “real job.” His intentions were good—he wanted to protect me, to ensure I had a stable future—but his advice was rooted in his own belief systems and fears, not in what I truly wanted for myself.
This is a common experience for many of us. The people who love us most sometimes give us advice that’s more about their comfort than ours. And while their support is well-meaning, it’s not always what we need. That’s why it’s crucial to build a support system that understands and respects our dreams, one that uplifts us rather than holding us back out of fear.
Embracing the Strength in Support
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of wisdom. It’s about recognizing that we are not meant to go through life alone, that we are stronger together. Building a positive support system is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. It’s about surrounding ourselves with people who get us, who respect our ambitions, and who encourage us to pursue our dreams, even when the path is uncertain.
So let’s shift the narrative. Let’s embrace the strength that comes from asking for help, from leaning on others, and from building the kind of support system that helps us thrive. Because we deserve it. And because we’re worth it.
Let’s stop striving to be everything to everyone and start being the best version of ourselves, supported by those who truly believe in us.
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