The Power of Kindness and the Art of Asking for Help

Introduction:

In a world that sometimes mistakes kindness for weakness, and where the fear of judgment or rejection often prevents us from asking for help, it's time to challenge our perspectives on asking for help and offering it to others.

The Power of Asking for Help:

When was the last time you asked for help? Do you view asking for help as a sign of weakness or does it possibly make you apprehensive about potential rejection? How do you feel when others ask you for assistance—are you willing, or does the fear of being taken advantage of hold you back?

I am often willing to assist others yet, ironically, it wasn’t until recently that I’ve found myself willing to ask, and accept, assistance. At least not without the threat or fear, it was part of a larger ulterior motive. The societal stigma around seeking assistance often deters individuals from reaching out, even when they genuinely need it. But what if we reframed the narrative, understanding that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to our shared humanity?

An Unexpected Example of Kindness:

The below scenario happened in the Kingsland International Airport in Sydney, Australia. I was gathering my belongings and preparing to leave the lounge as my flight had started boarding, when I saw a man walk in. He found his way to a table, but I could tell something wasn’t quite right. As I filled my water bottle, myself, as well as numerous other travelers, overheard the man ask a lounge employee for assistance getting food. The employee shook his head “no” and walked away. On the way back to my belongings, I saw the man at his computer, still without food. Upon seeing this, I decided to make the decision to be kind.

I approached the man, letting him know I overheard his request for assistance asked if I could help. That’s when he informed me, he was visually impaired. It was at that very moment I knew I had done the right thing. I escorted the man up to the counter, his arm in mine, explained his options then proceeded to walk him back to his seat before returning to the buffet to make his plate.

I made him toast with peanut butter and a few other items he had requested. As I sat the plate down, he thanked me profusely for my willingness to help. We then spent the very last remaining minutes I had chatting. It was during that time he informed me he was on his way home from a cruise, he lost his credit card, and the companion he was traveling with didn’t have status therefore they wouldn’t allow him in to be accompanied in. For this man, it could have been the perfect storm. In a foreign country, no credit card, and no companion to help him with the simplest of tasks. Yet he remained positive and polite, even after being rejected assistance by the lounge employee.

I talked with this man until I had no option to not only leave, but to run, to my gate. When I started to say goodbye, his expression shifted from happiness to one of confusion. That was when he realized I was not a lounge employee but rather a fellow traveler.

He shook my hand and again, thanked me profusely with a smile and tone of genuine appreciation. I in turn thanked him for the wonderful conversation, wished him a safe flight and the return of his credit card.

The Strength in Vulnerability:

You see, this encounter serves as a reminder that sometimes all it takes is a willingness to lend a hand, but more so the willingness to ask for help. I helped him not because I had to but because I accomplished more by helping him, than I could have for myself by leisurely walking to my gate and getting my bag situated.

Conclusion:

We’ve all heard the saying “You may get 100 No’s before you get a yes” or “You miss out on 100% of the chances you do not take”. Regardless of which saying you live by the outcome is the same. There is always someone needing help and always someone willing to help. So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to ask for help or extending a helping hand, remember this: kindness knows no bounds, and the world could always use a little more of it!