Ask For What You Need

Today was a weird trigger for me. Family Day. A holiday to take time to spend with your family A lovely, and incredibly confusing sentiment for me today.

This morning I spent some time with Rich. And then I went to the cemetery. A quick visit to say hello, "check on things," and have a short chat with Ryan. Afterward, we went for lunch with Rich's family, and had a very nice time. We continued my birthday celebration, and now I'm home thinking about everything from this past weekend.

It was a really lovely birthday weekend. I wasn't expecting that. And I actually learned a very important lesson in the most weirdly wonderful way. I learned that in order to get what you need, you have to ask for it. You can't just assume that people are going to instinctively know or that they can read your mind. 

We were heading home from dinner last night, and I was hit with a nostalgic craving for a Dairy Queen ice cream cake for dessert. Sure we just had dessert at the restaurant, but sometimes you need to treat yourself (another important lesson). So I told Rich, I needed an ice cream cake to continue our celebrations. And guess what? Moments later, we were home on the couch, eating ice cream cake, watching Friends. 

It was a perfectly low-key, comfortable, pressure-free 30th birthday, and it was just what I needed. And all I had to do was ask for it.

I realize this is a very silly little example, but it applies so strongly to all of my other experiences. If I ever need a break from some of life's responsibilities sometimes, I know I just need to speak it. Ask. If I ever need a hug, a chat, some extra support, I know I have no fewer than 5 people I can ask and get that support right away. I just have to ask.

Moving forward into all of life's adventures waiting for me in this next year and beyond, I'm going to have to remember to stop and ask for help. Because if the last 5 months are any indication, I know I'm going to need it.