Recently over this past Christmas weekend I was involved in an experience that changed my life. On the evening of Christmas Eve my father’s neighbors house was broken into and had many things stolen. Including all of their Christmas gifts for their 3 children, clothes, phones, and jewelry.
When the family rushed over to tell us what had happened our first response was to call the police. Then suddenly, like a bolt of lightning coming out of sky a thought entered my mind. It was something like, “You need to find a way for the city to be informed about this because there are amazing people out there that would be willing and grateful to help out by donating new toys and gifts for the family to have things to share on Christmas morning.”
I immediately found the phone number to NBC Action News and told them what happened. Within an hour they had a camera and reporter at the scene interviewing me and the family about the story and reaching out to the community for donations and help.
I can’t explain why I felt this way, but I had this deep knowing and faith that many people were going to help this family. The news station listed my email address on their site and within 30 minutes I had 10 emails from people asking how could they help.
I was up until 2:00am on Christmas Eve receiving donations from people all around the city. Donations included toys for all 3 kids, 3 brand new bikes, hot cocoa maker, cash, gift certificates, and much more.
Christmas morning we had the family come over to our house to see all that had been donated for them. They were completely shocked and even moved to tears by the generosity of others to help their family.
This brings me to a point in which I want to encourage you to have more confidence in. That is, “The Power of Asking“.
As human beings we are naturally looking for ways to help others. When someone is looking for answers or for help with something, there is always someone or many people out there who are able and willing to help.
This is a skill that I have always been naturally gifted with, but as I have grown in my self-confidence, I have become more willing to ask. Even if I’m asking for someone else!
So often we don’t even think to ask others for help. It doesn’t even enter the realm of possibility. For example, you may be looking for change in your career, relationship seeking, financial struggle, looking to purchase something, or a dream you’ve always wanted to fulfill such as travel or buying a home among many possibilities.
The worst thing that can happen when you ask someone is they say, No. What have you lost when someone says, “No, I can’t help you”?
You haven’t lost anything, but in turn you’ve gained clarity on what that person is willing or able to do. It’s very important not get personally attached to the answer people give you, whether it’s a Yes or No. If they say No, then thank them for their time or support in other areas they have given you. NO stands for Next Opportunity.
Go with the flow by being patient and grateful no matter what happens and keep pursuing what it is your seeking.
Some of the most successful people in the World have managed to get where they are because they gained the courage to ASK.
What is it in your life that you want to change? Can you think of a creative way to inform and ask people what you’re looking for?
Also, notice if when you think of asking someone if the thought that you are being selfish or arrogant. These thoughts along with other similar thoughts keep you from letting others do what they want most, TO HELP YOU.
Now if your asking for a large amount of money or a big request, then you better have a clear and important reason for that request. Not to just live more comfortably. Maybe, for example, you want to use that money to create a charity organization or start a business where the person that gave you the money can have some benefit towards helping you.
An important thing to remember is that our minds are so limited for what is possible for ourselves and this World. There is nothing too big or too small to ask others for support.
Finally, remember that the universal laws work both ways. As you practice the power of Asking, don’t forget to look for ways to Give!
It is in giving that we receive. – St. Francis of Assisi
Awesome Tom. I really like the NO answer for Next Opportunity. I think I will use this one. I learned that Asking for help was one of the hardest things for people to do. When elderly need help they find it very hard to ask for it as they have been taught not to ask. Humans need to understand it is ok to ask as it make others feel better that they can help someone who does ask and it is karma that is going around. God does work through all of us and he really worked this Christmas eve/morning. Maybe God sent those robbers to the house just for this purpose. I pray he works on them to help others rather then hurt others,
You might get some crazy looks, but ultimately you will find the right person who is eager to help!