James Taylor once sung“When you are down and troubled, and you need a helping hand”, he advised “Close your eyes and think of me, and soon I will be there.” It was a bitter-sweet song that left a note of hope. So often, when we are feeling lost, we pull into our shell and wonder why we are alone and unseen. At times like this we need to reach out and let it be known that we’d like a hand.

Talking to friends, asking for help, praying are all valid responses, but if it was that easy there would be less people around who felt this way. The hard thing is to be seen as vulnerable and struggling and unable to cope, in need and worthy of help. We are brought up to stand on our own two feet and hate to seem or feel weak. And yet strength is like the tides, it comes and it goes; people’s luck and health and situations change. Think of some of those millionaire bankers who were riding high a few months ago.

Allowing oneself to feel these feelings and not to go out of one’s way to hide or deny them allows others in. Today maybe a good day to say, when asked “How are you?” to be a little more honest in your reply.

Resources:

•  “You’ve got a Friend”