Asking for Help

^This tends to be one of my weaknesses. I either think, "I don't want to bother anyone" or "It's fine, I've got this covered!" But here's the thing: Even if I can handle a task, it doesn't mean I have to. Even if I think "I can do it better," often times, I've learned that's not the case. Gradually, I'm accepting...

Sharing responsibilities creates a bigger impact than executing solo.

Here are 3 recent experiences of mine that are highlighting this lesson:

1. STEAM Day. I am a co-planner in our school's Science Technology Engineering Art and Math Day. This is a complex activities-based day that involves the whole school community, a myriad of materials, sponsors, an intricately designed schedule, and a strong volunteer base. With several other projects taking priority this school year, I was unable to provide as much head space and attention to preparing for this event as I would have preferred. What probably shouldn't have surprised me, surprised me. The amount of support was palpable and others were taking initiative. "Oh, you need this? I'll get it." "You want me to cover this session? Count me in." "I noticed this conflict in the schedule. Here's the solution." Hallelujah to multiple investors.

The afternoon before the big day, a group of parent volunteers came in to help set up. I was finalizing bins for the art project, and they asked how they could help. My instinct was to say, "I'm good for now!" and direct them to the other leader who could delegate to-dos. Instead, I gave them specific tasks and felt time being saved by the second. At one point, I mentioned that I wanted to write directions on Post-It notes to stick on each board, but that I could get to it later. The volunteers carted the boards and bins to the front of the school so they were stationed for the early morning ahead. When I went to visit the front, I saw that they had already thoughtfully written and attached the Post-It note directions to each board. I know it sounds silly, but it was that little moment that made me realize the powerful effect of accepting support and relinquishing control.

2. Perfectionism (and transitions). Maybe you've caught on to this fault of mine by now. I recognize that my inability to ask for help often stems from my belief that I can take care of it best. This is not true. I've transitioned from a few different roles within education, and each time I felt like I was doing a disservice to the students by "leaving them." "Who will put as much care and creativity into this work?" Gosh, sounds a little egotistical, right? Through my experiences of moving on, I've been able to witness and appreciate the strengths and offerings of the people who have take on my previous roles. That others can take care of things with quality. That I don't need to be the one in control for things to succeed. By allowing others a chance and trusting in them, I learn to accept that I'm not the only one who can do it best. In fact, others can often times do it better.

3. Fashion and photos. Yesterday, I was at my friend's community yard sale. She and another one of her friends were talking about the Austin community and how there are so many driven, visionary people in our city who also need and want support from one another. I asked how these two friends had met. "We actually met a year ago at a SXSW event! Our paths were bound to cross!" "Yeah, it was the first time I really learned about the power of collaboration. She took photos of my designs and that's when things really started to take off." They went on to share other examples of how of collaborating within our community has been impactful. A while later, the host's neighbor came out. He was inspired by her yard sale and decided to prop up his own "Free Veggies" stand with freshly picked greens from a shared community garden. The host added how she wants to continue to expand this event by inviting her friend's taco business and providing live music by a local Austin band she reached out to. Needless to say, I left feeling connected and inspired.

"Fresh Veggies!"

There's so much power in collaboration. I'm growing to understand and accept this on a deeper level. For me, the first step is recognizing you don't have to do it alone then seeing the potential that is all around you. Let the magic unfold by inviting it in. ✨

The photographer and the designer!