Hi guys, how are we all doing? I trust our weeks are going fine.
Getting to the tail end or completion of a project is usually not easy, it's funny how at this point, it looks as if everything is beginning to go South.
We often carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, thinking strength means doing it all alone. But sometimes, real courage is in reaching out.
Tell us about a moment when you realized it was okay to ask for help. How did it change your perspective, your day, or your life?
During my final year in the university, I was so excited that finally, I had gotten to the last lap of my academic journey at the time. I thanked God for seeing me thus far, I even started dreaming of the coming months or weeks when I would be free from lectures, assignments, and sleepless nights due to reading, I couldn't just wait.
Then the semester began, we had some of the toughest and broadest courses that semester, and I was like O God please help me. I managed to scale through by the grace of God and also through sheer discipline because, in my head, I had had it up to my neck.
I thought the courses were going to be the last straw, but I was in for so much more. At some point, we assigned to our various project supervisors. The first thing my supervisor said was that all of us that were under her should get at least a hundred thousand Naira at that time in preparation for the project work especially for our lab work as we were going to be doing some really intensive work.
When I heard this, I almost cried, I know y'all will be thinking of why I said I almost cried, but here is the thing, for one the money she was asking that we set aside was way beyond what I budgeted for and then she telling us it was going to be some intensive work was like adding salt to injury.
I started calculating and adding up all the money I had at the time, it was nowhere close to even half of the amount, and I knew my dad didn't have so much, as he had just retired and was still moving around to get his retirement benefits and pension sorted out, so I couldn't even bring myself to asking him.
I did several menial jobs to try to raise the money, but most of what I got was peanuts compared to what was needed. At some point, I almost gave up, but I prayed to God to help me and direct me as well.
I began the project with what I had and continued, the days were very long and draining. I usually leave the house by 7 am every day and return by 9 pm due to the rigorous activities I had to go through. From class activities to lab work before returning home.
One particular weekend I decided to go to my aunt's house to rejuvenate for a brief moment and also tell her all about what was happening with me. On getting there she was so happy to see me, and welcomed me warmly, made me some of my favorite treats and we talked.
It was while talking I broke down when I went on about what I had been going through with my schoolwork. She consoled and reassured me that she was here for me, she almost even scolded me for not telling her immediately, and having to wait this long before filling her in on the issue, I apologized and she accepted.
I felt so light that evening, it felt like I had offloaded a heavy load that I was carrying all by myself for so long.
By Sunday when I was about to leave, I got an alert, when I checked, it was from my aunty and she had sent me twice the amount I needed. I didn't when the floodgates opened and tears of joy filled as I ran to and thanked her while almost hugging the life out of her.
I was able to finish the project on time and at the end of the day, it was successful.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes, and it is also very normal to ask for help when you can no longer bear it alone. We weren't created to be in isolation, but rather to be together and be there for each other, so if you're overwhelmed ask for help so you don't break down.
Thank you for stopping by ❤