I struggle a lot to ask for help. It’s not because I don’t want it or don’t need it. I do need it. I’m quite confident and strong and very independent. I feel when I ask for help, all these qualities are taken away from me.

It makes me look weak.

I should be able to do things on my own without the need for someone being by my side to help me along. I don’t want to feel like a burden to other people.

One of the questions I get asked at the moment is “have I got support in place after the birth?” Errrr….what kind of support? I have my husband. I have three other children who are old enough to be a little independent…just about.

What other support do I need?

I keep being told looking after twins is double the work. No! Really? I would never have guessed. Surely, it can’t be as bad as looking after three children under 3? I forget I’m older though. And I still have my three children at the same time as having twins.

People look at me and say I’m Superwoman. I’d like to think I am, which is why I don’t ask for help. Superwoman is strong and independent and can manage what ever life throws at her.

I’m not superwoman though. I’m just an ordinary, full-time working mother and wife, trying to get through life. And if I’m honest, I guess I need all the help I can get. But I worry that if you see me struggling, you will then see I don’t quite have it all together. You will see my failings.

I am starting to realise though there are people in my life who want to help. People actually want to help me. And what gives me the right to stop them? People want to make a difference to other people’s lives. Me stopping them deprives them of sharing their gifts and abilities. After all, they just want to show they care.

At the end of the day, I know I’m going to struggle. I know it’s going to be tough. Letting others into my life to provide the help I need will actually benefit me. It will make me stronger in the long run as I learn from others what they want to give.

Friends, don’t be afraid to ask for help, or receive it when it is offered. Everyone benefits in the long run.

You are reading day 22 of the Write 31 Days Challenge in conjunction with The Five Minute Friday Community. Today’s word prompt is ‘help’.