helping thoughts

I was cleaning my muddy shoe one time when a friend offered to help me with the remaining pair. She was doing the sane thing, but finished way ahead of me. I politely declined, even when she insisted, again and again. When, finally, she gave up, she mumbled something that I remember up to this day,

"Si Elai talaga, hindi nagpapatulong."

I realized then that I have always tried doing things on my own; not asking for help and not accepting anyone's help. It wasn't exactly a bad thing, but I knew I needed to change. I was raised to be independent and self-sufficient, but I did not know that, in the process, I became aloof and proud. 

Sometimes we don't know the way we are until somebody calls it out to us. I am really grateful to that friend of mine for letting me realize something that I actually need in my life. I can say that I have loosened up a bit and am open to receiving my family and friends' support. I have acknowledged that I need help, especially now that my mind, emotions, and just life in general are in a chaos. Asking or accepting help is definitely a life skill that anybody should cultivate.

It's great if you are able to completely stand on your own feet, but it would be greater if you are standing together with a lot of people. It's okay to let other people in your shoes, or just let them clean off the mud, if they ever offer to do so.