Today's Journal

LOOKING FOR HELPERS

One of the most difficult things to think, imagine or say is, ‘I need help.’ It is just not built into most independent, confident and capable people to even consider such a thing. We were raised with, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going,’ and ‘Suck it up, and try harder.’ I do believe that the younger generation now are much more apt to consider, and seek help if needed. There appears to be less denial, a quicker appraisal of need and honesty in seeking out others for help. For some of us older ones, it pushes a little too close to our pride button and self-reliance switch.

Often when we resist seeking help, we are just being stubborn, full of pride and living in la-la land of self-satisfaction. A certain level of self-confidence is expected… a certain level of self- condescension is unwise, if not goofy.

Fred Rogers (1928-2003) (Mister Rogers) had the right counsel: “When things are bad, look for helpers.”

I’m headed over to the other side of the Pond to have some Cuban Coffee and Apple Empanadas and try to figure out a way of asking for help without anyone finding out about it.

“But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Jesus