Watching a professional at work

A couple of weeks ago I shared a blogpost about the importance of asking for help. Today, while browsing my Twitter feed, the perfect video appeared to say more eloquently what I have experienced and am trying to achieve.

Amanda (F***ing) Palmer is a singer/songwriter/musician/artist who has perfected the art of asking for help. Confession: I have never actually listened to Amanda Palmer's music...but I read her husband's books. Amanda Palmer is married to Neil Gaiman. If you like fantasy fiction novels and you are an adult, then you NEED to know who Neil Gaiman is.

Here is Amanda Palmer's take on "The Art of Asking."

What I like most about Amanda's argument is the acknowledgement that asking leaves us vulnerable. But more than this, that vulnerability implies trust, and trusting others to help you is a beautiful lesson in personal connections. 

I have experienced this too, and I found that people are generally kind and willing to help. Amanda explains this kindness. She says that people want to help you because by reaching out and asking for help, you are connecting with them on a personal level. This is such a beautiful expression of the human spirit. Adopting Amanda Palmer's philosophy on "the art of asking" makes it easier to accept and enjoy the experience. 

My next mission!? To actually listen to Amanda's music. Anyone who is this cool of a human being is probably a fantastic artist as well. Cheers! 

Go to the Wilderness.

This video from TEDTalks is a little long, but well worth watching. The first time I saw this speech, my reaction was, "Yeah! Introverts rule! Leave us alone so we can be awesome!" But, having watched it a few more times after a few more experiences, I get a different message.

First of all, I'm not totally introverted. I enjoy the spotlight and I have a hard time relinquishing control. I do, however, prefer to work alone much of the time and find that I am most creative and productive when left to my own devices.

I think that Susan Cain has some valuable advice for the structuring of society, but that's not why I posted this video. Introverts and extroverts both have strengths and weaknesses, and they rely on each other to create a balanced world. It is important for introverts to step into the limelight and voice their ideas. It is also important for extroverts to withdraw and examine their thoughts in private.

As I seek a career path that suits me, I face both of these challenges. I know that it is important for me to put myself out there and explore my options, which can be scary. But, maybe more importantly, I know that it is important to "go to the Wilderness" and examine my thoughts. This prospect is much scarier.

In our "plugged-in" culture, we are rarely alone with our thoughts. I do a lot of my thinking in the car as I commute to class and work, but I keep the comfortable buffer zone of the radio to ward off deep reflection. Why? Because I'm scared of what I'll find in my thoughts. I'm scared I'll find that I have no passion. I'm scared I'll find that I do have passion. On my journey of self-discovery, I know that I must face my fears. I will have to speak out...and I will also have to listen to myself.

I challenge you to listen too. Let's all make time to go to the Wilderness and examine ourselves, free from comforting distractions. And, once we have discovered our secrets, let us share them with others.