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Dear Reader,
"When it gets tough, I get going. I can make it through anything. Whatever the challenge, I'm up for it." That's the little speech that I've given myself through the years, to get me over the rough spots. And it's true, I am pretty darn resourceful. I can take a punch, regroup, and bounce back quickly.
But I admit, there have been times in my life when even though I was up for the challenge, the rough spots got way too rocky--even for me. And I became so weary, that I just didn't have it in me to go it alone, and I had to ask someone for help.
"I need your help."
I don't know why those words are always so difficult for me to say. It feels like defeat when I utter them. But in reality, I've learned that when I do, they're a gift--to me and to the person I say them to.
Years ago, when a doctor handed me a red and white cane--because I couldn't see where I was going--I gave myself my "little speech" and I thought things would be fine. But a friend of mine saw my situation differently, and wanted to know why I didn't ask the people around me for help.
"I don't want to bother anyone," I told her. To which she replied, "Suzanne, you're one selfish woman." Well, she caught me off guard. Here I was walking around bumping into walls, and she was telling me I was selfish. Just where was she coming from?
But then she explained: "Suzanne, when someone asks you for your help, you're happy to lend a hand and it makes you feel good, doesn't it? You're selfish, because when you're not willing to ask someone for help, you're robbing them of an opportunity--the chance to feel good about helping someone else."
Fortunately, I was able to retire my red and white cane long ago, but wouldn't you know it, that tough stuff still knows my address. I'm always up for the challenge, but it sure feels better when I stop and ask a friend for help along the way.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
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www.DearReader.com
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