[courtesy funnypicturesplus.com]
As many of you know I frequenly travel on the trains here in Chicago. It’s a fantastic way to get around the city. I always enjoy seeing tourists using public transportation, as it really is an excellent way to see Chicago.
A couple of weeks ago while standing on the train platform, I heard two people talking with an accent that I hadn’t heard in a long time. They were here from Scotland visiting their daughter. Having Scottish heritage on both sides of my family, it was such a delight to speak with them.
As we all boarded the train, there weren’t too many seats left so I went to get one across from where the Scottish folks were sitting. I wanted to carry on our conversation. Just as I was about to sit down the train pulled away from the station. It seemed to be having some mechanical problems and the brakes appeared to kick in. Suddenly I found myself on the floor.
I was so embarassed that although two people offered to help me, I ignored them and got back up by myself. Definitely not my finest moment, as I really should have been holding onto a bar once I knew the doors were closed and that the train would be leaving right away. I realized that I was so distracted speaking with the lovely folks from Scotland that I wasn’t paying attention to anything else.
Now how is this for a Universal tap on the head: Not but an hour later I was walking in downtown Chicago. Suddenly and literally right behind me a girl tripped and fell onto the pavement. I turned around and went up to her to see if she was okay. Another lady came along and did the same. The girl had been looking at her phone, wearing headphones, and I noticed her one shoe was untied. I helped her up and then said, “Would you like me to tie your shoelace for you? I think you were distracted and tripped on your lace.”
She nodded and I proceeded to tie her lace for her. Then she thanked me, and I asked her again if she was okay. She said she was and off she went.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I am pretty sure I was given some huge lessons that day. I didn’t accept help on the train because I was embarrased for being so distracted. But the next thing I knew this young girl, probably feeling the same way I did, accepted my help and showed her gratitude by thanking me.
I realized (as silly as this may sound to you) that I was given the opportunity to help this girl to show that it is perfectly okay to ask someone for help. Not only that, if there is someone directly in front of you offering their assistance, take it. Why do we feel as if there is something wrong in allowing our vulnerabilities to show?
[courtesy https://twitter.com/shinybluedress/%5D
I guess you can say it is a two-way street: letting others assist us not only helps us but it helps them in experiencing and sharing their kindness and compassion. It allows other a chance to be helpful. I think that is a much better and balanced way to be.
This entire scenario has had me thinking ever since about cutting myself some slack and if I need some help I’ll ask for it or accept it instead of muddling through it. I realize it is actually a strength to ask others for help, not a weakness. Isn’t it interesting when we don’t get a lesson it is usually repeated until we do. For me that day the lesson sure showed up with a quick ‘thud’, didn’t it? *pun intended*
What about you, do you ask for help when you need some? Do you accept help when it is offered?
[courtesy https://www.askideas.com/61%5D
Nice post. Good advice.
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Thank you so much, Don! Cher xo
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Wonderful reminder, Cher… Offering help and accepting help, always results in a win-win! ❤ xo
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Why thank you so much, dear Bette! I love how you mentioned, “win-win!” That sums it up beautifully! Thank you! Cher xo
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Hugs & Happy Week! ❤
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And right back to you, dear Bette; thank you!! Cher xoxo
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“if there is someone directly in front of you offering their assistance, take it.” This is excellent advice that we ALL need to remember 🙂
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Ah, thank you so much my dear! Yes, ALL of us indeed! 🙂 Cher xo
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Cher, this is a tough one. I think it would depend on time and place. I don’t know if I could ASK for help but if it was offered that would be a bit different. I fell over a suitcase in the lobby of a hotel in Vegas and a man was right next to me and held out his hand. I immediately took it and he pulled me up. When you are supposed to be independent and never need, want, or ask for help, it’s hard to do it.
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It is a very hard thing to do, isn’t it? That is precisely why I didn’t allow the two people who offered me help to do so. Upon reflection though, I wish that I had. I know what you mean and in the instance you experienced in Las Vegas, I would have done the same thing. I think we can be independent and yet allow ourselves to take help in the same vein as providing it to others. Thank you, my fellow Chicagoan! Cher xo
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A pleasure. We had a sunny day. Miracles do happen. So tired of darkness and rain. Enjoy tomorrow…I think it’s going to be nice once again…then yuk.
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That’s what I have heard as well my dear! Thank you, you as well! Cher xo
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So interesting how everything in life is rather connected! I know when I can’t do something by myself, but often will put off asking for help if possible. Kind of silly, since I usually have to end up asking anyway:)
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It is, isn’t it, Becky? I am the same way! Not silly at all though! I think most of us just figure we can/should do it ourselves (that’s our initial ‘go-to’ reaction). But I think it is important for us to help and be helped! Thanks, Becky! Cher xo
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Hello Cher,
Thank you for this advice. You are right. But It is not easy for me. When I do it, I get a stronger band with other people. A nice day.
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Hi Annie, it is so nice to see you! It isn’t easy, is it? But you are right, when we do ask for help it connects us with others! Have a nice day too, Annie; thank you! Cher xo
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Lovely post, Cher. Over the last few years, if I am travelling on the tube in London, say, I get offered a seat. I feel much better taking it that I do if I turn it down (because of getting off at the next station, for instance). Travelling recently on my own with a suitcase, every time I was face with a broken lift or unexpected stairs someone came forward to help me. The world is full of decent, kind people and it is a shame when pride gets in the way.
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Thank you, Hilary. I really appreciate your comments. And I agree wholeheartedly with what you said. And yes, pride does get in the way but I certainly wish it wouldn’t. Cher xo
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