If you’re an American bulldogger, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about dads lately (and we certainly hope you sent yours a card this past weekend!), but this month’s Mat Chat highlights one of our very own amazing working moms — Tessa Jenkins!
The wisdom that Tessa drops in the clip you’re about to watch comes from her experience as a busy yogi boss lady who also happens to be the mother of two, but we’re pretty sure that her advice will resonate with you no matter the stage of life you’re in.
Asking for help?
What a crazy concept!
When was the last time you asked for help from someone who would agree simply out of the kindness of their heart?
No, we’re not talking about the co-worker who’s required to pitch in on a project that’s stressing you out or about a friend who you’re only asking because she owes you a favor. Asking for help can — and should — be much more straightforward than that. Remove the politics and the weird power structures and the “I think I helped him out with something last summer” vibes and just ask. for. what. you. need.
I’m running super late getting home from work and I’m not going to be able to pick up my kid from baseball practice. Do you have a few free minutes? Could you swing by the field?
No one is going to judge you for being a bad parent. (And anyone who does can pretty much GTFO. Sorry, but it’s the truth.)
I totally forgot my laptop at the office. I have company coming over in a few minutes and I really can’t leave the house… or be away from my computer overnight. Isn’t my neighborhood on your way home, anyway? Could you grab it before you leave and drop it off?
This co-worker is closer to your laptop than you are… and they’re not that far away from your house, either. It’s not like they’re going to blame you for not being able to bail on your guests. If anything, they might be grateful you trust them enough to ask them to come to your house!
Oh, hello, Amazon? (Obviously, this is happening in your head as you tap your phone screen… not on a landline.) If I have to go to the grocery store to stock up on toilet paper in the middle of the 11 million other things I have to do tomorrow, I’m going to lose my mind. And did I mention I have no time? Can you just send some to my house? kthanks.
These technologies quite literally exist to make your life easier. They “live” to serve. And you don’t even have to worry that you’re putting them out when you ask for their help!
Reaching out to the people around you, explaining your problem, and suggesting ways that they might be able to pitch in to help you solve that problem… it’s a three-step process that might change your life. If you let it.
Take the emotion out of it. Remove all of your personal baggage about the so-called “failure” it reveals in you when you ask for a little extra assistance. Lean on the people and resources who can support you in being the best version of you that you can possibly be.
After all, you wear a lot of different hats. You might just need a little help if you want to rock them all.
What areas of your life would most benefit from a little more help? Tell us more on Facebook + Twitter!
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