It’s a funny thing, asking for help. At least for me, unless I get into the right mindset, I regress back to being a kid, not wanting to ask other people to help me.

The underlying reason? A bit of independence: I can do the the thing, wanting to do the thing on my own; but also, not wanting the person I’m asking for help to say now.

Case in point.

Recently, I had some yardwork done at my house. More specifically I had a small tree removed, and then also some long awaited, much needed trimming on a larger patio tree.

Three guys were here, and it didn’t take long, they made quick work of the project much to my gratitude.

In order to prep for their work, including pulling all the debris out of the backyard to the street for pick up, I had to move one of the cars in my driveway down to the street. The characteristic that added “Jeff-Complexity”, the car doesn’t start. It needs a new alternator and so the battery is dead. It’s an old car, and so I plan to donate it, rather than spend the money for a new alternator, etc.

When the workers were done with the tree project, I could’ve asked them to help me push the car back up the driveway, no more than six feet. But I didn’t. I was too “shy”, or “afraid.” Silly Jeff. regressed from near 60 to 10 years old in an instant…

“Silly, silly silly”, I repeated to myself, as I worked to figure out how to roll the car back into the position off the sidewalk. Ultimately, I was able to, thankfully, but I didn’t need to put myself in that situation. Those workers would’ve gladly assisted.

Don’t be afraid, ask.