What’s the Bravest Thing You’ve Ever Said?
“What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.
“Help,” said the horse.
This simple exchange from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy is a gentle reminder of the power of vulnerability. Asking for help—a single word, help—can feel like the hardest thing to say. But it’s also one of the bravest.
As we navigate life, many of us find it easy to offer help to others but much harder to ask for it ourselves. Why is that?
Why Do We Struggle to Ask for Help?
For so many of us, asking for help feels like admitting defeat. We worry about what others might think or how it might reflect on us.
“Will they see me as weak?”
“Am I letting people down?”
“What if I’m just a burden?”
So instead of reaching out, we soldier on. We tell ourselves to keep going, that we’ll figure it out somehow. But carrying everything on your own can leave you feeling isolated, exhausted, and overwhelmed.
The truth is, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an act of strength.
My Turning Point
I know this struggle well because I’ve been there myself.
I used to believe that needing help was a personal failure. I thought I had to handle everything on my own. Then burnout hit me—hard. I felt vulnerable, ashamed, and completely isolated. It took me a long time to admit how I was feeling, but when I finally opened up, I was astonished by the response.
People shared their own stories—experiences of struggling, stumbling, and finding their way again. It made me realise I wasn’t alone. Struggling is part of life, and admitting you need help isn’t a weakness—it’s a human strength.
Looking back, I wonder: if I’d reached out sooner, could I have avoided burnout altogether?
Why Asking for Help Matters
Here’s what I’ve learned about asking for help:
You’re not alone. No matter how it feels, you’re not the only one struggling.
It’s okay to be vulnerable. People who care about you want to help.
Problems shrink when they’re shared. Worries in your head can feel enormous, but talking them through often puts them into perspective.
It’s a sign of strength. Admitting you need support shows self-awareness and courage.
How to Start Asking for Help
If asking for help feels daunting, start small. Here are a few ways to begin:
Choose someone you trust. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or colleague, start with someone you know will listen without judgement.
Be honest. You don’t have to have all the answers. Just share what’s on your mind, even if it’s as simple as saying, “I’m struggling and not sure what to do.”
Accept their support. Letting people help you doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.
Imagine …..
You’re putting together a presentation for a staff meeting, and the deadline is looming. A colleague offers to proofread your slides or help format the document. Your first thought is, “I don’t want to bother them; I’ll manage.” But what if you said, “That would be brilliant, thank you”? Sharing the load could make the task feel less overwhelming—and ensure a better end result.
Or…..
You’re having a tough day, and it’s written all over your face. A colleague asks, “Are you OK?” Instead of replying, “I’m fine,” even though you’re not, you say, “Honestly, I’m having a rough day.” They might not have all the answers, but sometimes just sharing how you’re feeling can lighten the load.
A Final Thought
If life feels overwhelming, don’t wait for the breaking point. Speak up. Reach out. Whether it’s to a friend, a colleague, or a professional, asking for help is one of the most courageous things you can do.
You don’t have to do it all on your own. Real strength lies in understanding when it’s time to let someone else help carry the load.
