Learning the hard way to ask for help

After 43 years, I’ve finally done it.

43 years of defining strength as stoicism.

Integrity as independence.

Freedom as fortitude.

Self-determination as defiance.

Now I realise the opposite is true.

That courage is found in community.

Resilience in relationships.

Inner strength in inter-dependence.

I was 43 last Wednesday.

And finally, after four and a bit decades,

I’ve learned the hard way how to ask for help.