I have a dirty, 4 letter word that I just can’t bring myself to say. Just thinking about this word, makes me shudder and want to run away(Ha, didn’t mean to rhyme there. I’m a poet). This 4 letter word brings a sour taste to my mouth.
The word, and I can’t believe I’m about to type it here, is HELP.
I’ve never been good at asking for help in any sort of situation. I don’t know why, but it’s hard for me to do. I try to solve situations all by myself, I don’t really ask for advice, and when something gets really tough, I just ignore it.
I have recently been very scared about my financial situation. I have this thing called a credit card problem. When I was younger, I didn’t believe that credit cards were real money and would constantly charge things I couldn’t afford. Fast forward to 4 years later, I’m still paying on a lot of the purchases I made. I’m a big believer in the theory: If you ignore a problem long enough, it will eventually go away. While using this solid and foolproof(sarcasm) method for as long I’ve had the credit card issue, I had finally reached my drowning point. I finally had to utter that dirty word. I asked for help. My dad has known for awhile that I have a substantial bit of credit card debt and about once a month, he asks me if he can help me. Up until last month, I would always tell him I was fine and brush off the subject, uncomfortable to talk about a situation I find incredibly embarrassing because it’s my own damn fault. Well, when the monthly question came about in June, I finally broke down and cried.
And I finally told him the extent of my financial dilemma.
And I finally asked for help.
I was so worried that he would be ashamed and be upset, but he just hugged me and told me it would be ok. It would work out, and he’d help me come up with a plan.
After finally admitting I had a problem, and that I needed *shudder* help, the second great thing happened: I got a raise and a promotion. I felt amazing about this because when I accepted I had a problem, and finally asked for that dirty 4 letter word, I received it. I realized I am not weak for having to ask for help, I am finally strong for being able to ask for help. Help is not a dirty word, it’s a word that is necessary in life. It’s ok to break down and ask for help. I don’t know if I will make this a habit, but I will definitely consider it a solution to my problems more often.
thestoryofsarah 