The Unexpected Joy of Asking for Help

I’ve been running a business for a month now…not sure how it’s supposed to feel, but I’m enjoying the challenges so far.  There’s been a few and I’ve reached out to folks for help.

That’s not something I do well, I’m afraid.

I’m normally the one giving back and have always been happy to do so!   Whether it was helping my brother build new bookcases for his hospital room, spending time volunteering at our local rescue shelter (where I found Hazel, our big bull mastiff, or maybe she found me), or giving back to the security profession.  I’ve always felt so honoured to be able to help and give back.

It’s been really tough for me to ask for help, to be honest.  My wife Lisa will hopefully say I’m getting better at expressing myself and sharing my emotions.  That’s a whole other post, but I’m taking steps to grow and learn more about myself and what I want to do.  I guess it’s why I’m taking the launch and (fingers crossed) success of TaleCraft personally!  I really do want this to work so I can find ways to help others and their companies, give back to the profession, and grow personally.  And I’m going to put the work into it to make it happen!

Over this past month I’ve made a point of reaching out to folks and asking for help.  It’s been the hardest thing I’ve done, but by far the most rewarding.  I’ve had the chance to share my story with so many folks – it’s been therapeutic in many ways.  I’ve listened, really listened, to their story as well and learned more about what drives them, what are their challenges, and how they’re overcoming them.

That’s been the most amazing part of this journey so far – getting a chance to learn more about the folks I’ve reached out to, sharing our stories, and finding ways to help each other.  I am humbled by the expressions of support, the acts of kindness, and the time I’ve been given with these amazing people.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank my strongest supporter – my wife Lisa.  She has guided me during the launch of TaleCraft and continues to be my biggest cheerleader.  She keeps me honest and focused, is a great sounding board for all my goofy ideas and has reached into her network to introduce me as a security professional first, and her husband last.  That means a lot to me…and I love her so very much for all she’s doing to give me the chance to help, give back, and grow.

Enjoy your weekend, folks!  I’m taking a week off and will create a video post every two weeks starting September 12^th.