“somehow we've come to equate success with not needing anyone. many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we're very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. it's as if we've divided the world into 'those who offer help' and 'those who need help.' the truth is that we are both.”
brené brown
dear muse,
there is courage in knowing when to reach out
and grace in receiving what is offered
asking for help is not weakness
it is wisdom
it’s the tender reminder that you don’t have to carry it all alone
this week, we invite you to explore practices, stories, and reflections that honor the power of help in all its forms
enjoy this week's love letter...
*all photos are links to more information, the bookshop.org link is an affiliate link
our meditation or playlist
how do we ask for help?
it's so hard for me and i know i'm not alone
close your eyes
let's set our intention with meditation
by solène anglaret for insight timer
our podcast or playlist
navigating life’s challenges can sometimes require support, but many of us hesitate to ask for help
in this podcast, summer owens draws from her personal journey and lessons from her grandmas to show how asking for help can empower, not burden, us
learn practical tips on how to ask for assistance gracefully and strengthen relationships in the process
five ways to gracefully ask for help without feeling like a burden
by summer owens via youtube
our book selection
a double feature... but make it lit
our book recommendations are wonderful
abie returns to her family's plantation in sierra leone to learn about her heritage through the stories of her four aunts
the women's narratives reveal their individual struggles with social expectations and their attempts to navigate a society undergoing immense change
the novel explores the difficult choices these women made and their quiet refusal to ask for help in their efforts to claim their destinies
by aminatta forna
this classic coming-of-age story follows the march sisters as they mature during and after the american civil war
jo march, in particular, struggles with a strong, independent nature that often conflicts with the social expectations placed upon her
she frequently refuses help, but eventually learns to accept the support of her family as she navigates her personal ambitions and creative pursuits
by louisa may alcott
finally, our film selection
we often trick ourselves into believing that being strong means carrying our heaviest burdens in silence, masking our burnout behind a quick "i've got it handled"
if you are running yourself into the ground trying to keep it all together, look no further than the brilliant comedy-drama shrinking
while the series follows a therapist navigating profound grief, its true emotional heartbeat lies within its incredible ensemble
shrinking beautifully chronicles what happens when those fiercely built emotional walls finally crack
it is a hilarious, deeply comforting exploration of how necessary it is to stop pretending you're fine
this show serves as a gentle reminder that dropping your guard and letting people in isn't a sign of weakness
it's love
apple tv+ series, starring jason segel, jessica williams, & harrison ford
your ritual
this ritual affirms that seeking and receiving help is not weakness, but a profound act of self-love
it reminds you that you are never meant to walk the journey alone
help in action choose one task you can delegate or ask for help with (work, home, or personal); practice letting someone show up for you
sacred pause step outside for a few minutes; notice how trees rely on sunlight, how rivers rely on rain; let nature remind you that receiving help is natural
gratitude practice write down moments from the day when you received help: whether someone held the door, offered advice, or even a smile; notice how support shows up in small ways
enjoy!
in closing
help is not a gift you must earn
to ask, to receive are acts of courage and deep self-love
as you move forward, remember help is within reach
with love,
tamara charese
as always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here
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