Never Know Until You Ask
My mom underwent physical therapy a few years ago to build strength in her legs. She did so trying to rid herself of the cane with which she had to walk. The doctor recommended that she purchase a recumbent bicycle to use at home so that she could exercise her legs several times a day. Just before we left the doctor's office I went back to ask the doctor about alternatives to the recumbent bicycle she recommended. At 90+ years of age my mother could use equipment either for the next ten years (I come from solid stock!) or only the next month. One could never know.
After I asked about alternatives to the expense and space such equipment requires, one of the Physical Therapists momentarily disappeared. He returned with a small contraption with pedals. He noted that it had been in the storage closet for months waiting to be discarded. He preferred giving it to someone who would use it over simply trashing it, but no one had asked before then. And there I was…asking.
As Mom and I exited through the waiting room, more than one person inquired about the contraption in hand. They exclaimed how useful such a device could be to them. Until they saw me with it they would never have thought to ask for something like it.
When you're stuck trying to figure something out as you implement an idea, how long does it take for you to ask for insight from someone else whom you trust? On what have you missed out by not asking?
You never know until you ask. More often than not, I get an answer that reveals a small shift in perspective or adds just enough insight to get me moving on my own again. It's not luck. Assert yourself. And just ask!
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