Too many times I’ve relied on the I’m fine response. I tell myself it’s just easier that way. But the few times I had the courage to ask for help, people were there willingly.
This was a beautiful read, Chris. I found myself tearing up in parts. Recognizing in your words my own struggles to ask for help when I was also in my 20’s.
Your hospital experience made my chest tight! The suspense!!! Ah!
I’m so glad you gathered the courage to be brave enough to ask for help and I’m happy you were able to share that journey with us. Even though I’ve since learned how to ask for help when I need it, I’m grateful for every reminder that crosses my path. Thank you ❤️🔥
Thanks Chris, I used to say the same thing. For years. Until it all blew up last year. And I realized I wasn't fine. Guilt, sadness, depression, anxiety, overwhelming fear of failure, of not being good enough. I don't want to say I'm better, but I'm better than I was. I now can say I'm not fine, and usually be able to express why. But still, sometimes not. And I can't tell you why, other than I just feel off. But I'm here, and grateful for it every single day. Love and support from Minnesota, you're welcome in my house anytime.
I'm so glad you poured your heart into this one, Chris—I absolutely know it's going to help a lot of other people find the courage to be vulnerable and ask for support. Sending a virtual hug your way!
Thanks for this beautiful piece. I wish I could have shared it with my son. I AM sharing it with my daughter who told me that her biggest mistake was not asking for help.
“Sometimes, the most effective help is walking alongside someone’s hurt and brainstorming solutions.”
This was such an inspiring and encouraging essay — I’m happy to finally read its final form. So much of what you shared here feels like a mirror for myself. And is making me reflect extra hard on this topic because it is so relevant and resonate. And it’s a lesson I think (and worry) I’ll spend a long time relearning until I truly get it. As I mentioned to you before, I completely agree that learning to ask for help and learning to accept it is such a foundational life skill. It can truly be life or death. As you pointed out, feelings (pride, fear, shame, etc.) can become such blockers. I appreciate the way you noted how asking and accepting help paved the way for stronger relationships and support in your life. The upside to feeling and moving through those tough emotions and difficult conversations are really so much greater than the false security of bottling everything up in fear. Thank you for sharing this one!
Thanks Sandra! You helped steer me in the right direction which allowed this essay to be possible :). I still think of the essay that I originally intended to write. I'm sure I could have made it work but it would have been....unwieldy lol.
Wow Chris. This reeled me in and touched my heart. Your writing is captivating. Thank you for sharing this moment and wisdom from your journey. I feel like you’re a kindred spirit and I look forward to reading more of your work and staying connected. I plan to share with a few young men in my life who will surely relate.
Chris, your story is incredibly moving and raw. It resonates deeply because it captures a universal struggle—dealing with internal battles while putting on a brave face. Thank you for sharing this. Your honesty encourages others to break their own cycles of "I'm fine" and seek the help they need.
Thank you for sharing, Chris! So glad you are here today, and helping inspire others. Keep doing your thing, bro. It is a privilege to read your work.
Thanks Rian!
Thank you. I needed to read that.
Thanks Lisa!
Too many times I’ve relied on the I’m fine response. I tell myself it’s just easier that way. But the few times I had the courage to ask for help, people were there willingly.
This was a beautiful read, Chris. I found myself tearing up in parts. Recognizing in your words my own struggles to ask for help when I was also in my 20’s.
Your hospital experience made my chest tight! The suspense!!! Ah!
I’m so glad you gathered the courage to be brave enough to ask for help and I’m happy you were able to share that journey with us. Even though I’ve since learned how to ask for help when I need it, I’m grateful for every reminder that crosses my path. Thank you ❤️🔥
Thanks Jenovia! 🙏 It's a reminder I need to constantly reinforce too. It's easy to fall back into bad habits.
Thanks Chris, I used to say the same thing. For years. Until it all blew up last year. And I realized I wasn't fine. Guilt, sadness, depression, anxiety, overwhelming fear of failure, of not being good enough. I don't want to say I'm better, but I'm better than I was. I now can say I'm not fine, and usually be able to express why. But still, sometimes not. And I can't tell you why, other than I just feel off. But I'm here, and grateful for it every single day. Love and support from Minnesota, you're welcome in my house anytime.
Thank you!
I'm so glad you poured your heart into this one, Chris—I absolutely know it's going to help a lot of other people find the courage to be vulnerable and ask for support. Sending a virtual hug your way!
Thanks Maddie! I appreciated your feedback as I wrote this.
I'm honored that you shared it! ❤️
Chris, this is such a beautiful piece! Thanks for sharing your journey so you can light the way for others. ❤️
Aw, thanks Sue!
You are incredibly strong and brave and I admire you. Thank you for sharing your story!
Thanks Mariana!
Thanks for this beautiful piece. I wish I could have shared it with my son. I AM sharing it with my daughter who told me that her biggest mistake was not asking for help.
Thanks Barbara! ❤️
Thanks so much for your beautiful writing and sharing your vulnerability. Your article will inspire and help so many.
Unfortunately, I didn't learn the lesson of asking for help until in my 40s. You are well ahead!
Keep on writing and wishing you the very best in your studies!
Thank you Lisa, I really appreciate it!
Beautiful piece, Chris. You're a lovely writer and the real emotion you put into your words is such a gift.
Thank you so much Evelyn!
“Sometimes, the most effective help is walking alongside someone’s hurt and brainstorming solutions.”
This was such an inspiring and encouraging essay — I’m happy to finally read its final form. So much of what you shared here feels like a mirror for myself. And is making me reflect extra hard on this topic because it is so relevant and resonate. And it’s a lesson I think (and worry) I’ll spend a long time relearning until I truly get it. As I mentioned to you before, I completely agree that learning to ask for help and learning to accept it is such a foundational life skill. It can truly be life or death. As you pointed out, feelings (pride, fear, shame, etc.) can become such blockers. I appreciate the way you noted how asking and accepting help paved the way for stronger relationships and support in your life. The upside to feeling and moving through those tough emotions and difficult conversations are really so much greater than the false security of bottling everything up in fear. Thank you for sharing this one!
Thanks Sandra! You helped steer me in the right direction which allowed this essay to be possible :). I still think of the essay that I originally intended to write. I'm sure I could have made it work but it would have been....unwieldy lol.
I loved reading this! Thank you for sharing. And I wish you all the best with you MBA!
Thanks Joe!
Wow Chris. This reeled me in and touched my heart. Your writing is captivating. Thank you for sharing this moment and wisdom from your journey. I feel like you’re a kindred spirit and I look forward to reading more of your work and staying connected. I plan to share with a few young men in my life who will surely relate.
Thanks so much Susan!
We need more men like you. Keep going.
Thanks Jonas!
Chris, your story is incredibly moving and raw. It resonates deeply because it captures a universal struggle—dealing with internal battles while putting on a brave face. Thank you for sharing this. Your honesty encourages others to break their own cycles of "I'm fine" and seek the help they need.
Thank you Mo! I really appreciate your comment 🙏