It's ok to ask for help.

 

I've always been a little bit of a perfectionist, and have had a rougher time asking for help from other people when I need it. When things get hard I tend to isolate myself and try to power through it on my own. 

 After having Bessie I hit a wall of total exhaustion and probably a bout of postpartum where I felt super overwhelmed with three little kiddos. On the Sunday soon after, Bessie was sick and Alex stayed home with her so I could go to church with the boys. I had been praying about how I had been feeling and had been asking for help from Heavenly Father and "coincidentally" enough our lesson in relief society was about asking for help from others, neighbors, family, friends in time of need, that it didn't mean you were weak, but actually it takes courage and it even gives those around us opportunities to serve which can bless their lives. 

One sister gave an example of having hard feelings toward her mom when she hadn't offered to help get her home ready when she was soon to bring her new adopted son home. Then she realized she didn't even ask her mother for help, or express to her mom how she had been feeling stressed about getting ready for his arrival. 

People around us can't read our minds. We shouldn't feel resentful when they don't offer to help, if we haven't taken the time ourselves to express what's going on or even ask for things we need.  This may sounds stupid, but It was a big eye opener for me because I sometimes had wondered why no one was reaching out, or I felt that I shouldn't ask for help because I was probably being a big burden. or needy. 

It is still something I struggle with, but I am doing better about not being afraid to reach out and ask for help from those around me when I need it. 

It's ok to ask for help or express our needs.  it actually takes courage and can be a blessing for other people too. 

"No man is an island"-  Human beings do not thrive when isolated from others.