Rebel Doesn't Mean Loner

This tough exterior I always considered part of my being has served me well at times, even and especially as a highly sensitive person. I know, it seems dichotomous, but so many of us actually embody both things because we must in order to survive this world.

But survival isn't our only option. Thriving and expanding are also here for us, and as rebels, we often need to remember that we are not alone in this work, and that it isn't a sign of weakness to ask for support. 

Recently, I hosted a week long training all about copywriting. I've done this particular training before, so I wasn't starting from scratch, though I was stretching my wings a little further with how I was delivering the info and creating an offer for an upcoming marketing program. 

The biggest stretch, beyond writing new content and diving in deeper to my own copywriting and marketing efforts, was asking for help. And not just the asking, but then allowing myself to receive it, openly. 

When I set aside my rebel self (who often tells me I can be a lone wolf and still get shit done), I didn't realize just how meaningful it would be to surround myself with women entrepreneurs who gifted me their time and attention to help me through a very intense week:

• On the first day of the training I received voice and text messages from different sisters (old and new), cheering me on and ramping up my confidence
• On day two, after the live training, when overwhelm consumed me because I had avoided finalizing my offer (procrastination is protection!) two sisters came to my rescue. The first sat on zoom with me, helping me arrange all the details I had scattered in three places, and assuring me it would go well. Then another sister who--just a few hours later--listened to the new, more complete version, which gave me the confidence to move forward instead of giving up or dialing it back.
• On day three, I fell into a deep exhaustion and closed off. Self care became necessary--but it ended up looking like too much Netflix and numbness so that when I woke for day four, I wasn't sure how I was going to smile and stay present.
• On the morning of day four, another sister messaged me: "It's dark and dreary here, too. let's have a dance party." So we did. And it shifted everything.

These are just the highlights. I'm lucky to have the support of people with whom I've cultivated connections with over time and who know the ins and outs of how lonely the entrepreneurial life can be.  AND I know that it is important for me to not pay attention to the voices in my own head that tell me I'm bothering someone if I ask for help. Or that I shouldn't have waited until the last minute to finalize my offer... but what good does that do? 

What I'm saying here, Rebel, is that it takes real guts to ask for help, any kind you may need. While you're growing your business, you're going to need all sorts of assistance, and not just with the tasks, but with holding the energy of your own heart and the hearts of those you serve. 

So reach out, have a dance party, and find people who will remind you who you are at the core and not the bullshit that springs up when we are doing hard things.

We've got you, Rebel Writer. Keep going...