The Art of Asking; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help

I'm wordy so I'll try to keep this short.

Here is what I can tell you about this book:
This is NOT a self-help book. There are no rules or instructions or laws stating exactly what YOU should do and how YOU should live your life in order to find happiness and peace and love. If you are looking for such things, please look elsewhere.

This IS an autobiography of an artist. It tells the story of how she found love, peace and happiness by taking the chance and asking of people - for the sake of her self and her art. This is the story of an artist who has worked incredibly hard for every bit she has gained, and an artist who has wholeheartedly felt every second of her journey.


My biggest thought throughout was this:
Firstly, you get back what you put into this world. If you are happy, positive, and open then even the bad things that do happen won't feel so bad. People will love to step up to help. If you are negative, antagonistic, and aggressive then the bad things will be all the worse and the good will be a lot harder to hold on to and when you need it, fewer people will be willing to pitch in to help.
Secondly, it's not easy. It takes effort, but with an attitude of love and perseverance - and of course, if you ask for the things you need - you will be amazed at what can happen.

It's not that Amanda has solely had a very fortunate life, it's who she is that made everything possible. For some of us, that is an inspiration.

On a personal note, this story resonated with me for a couple reasons.
First, I know firsthand what it is like to feel so connected to a group of random people who end up involved in a great happening. The incredible energy of a great show and the interactions that follow - it feels amazing and for those few hours no one is alone and no one is a loser and everyone is loved in that shared experience of awesome. It feels beyond amazing, and it's a feeling I deeply miss. There's a lot to be said for the power of shared experience.
Secondly, I have a crippling and utterly debilitation fear of asking. Yet, I offer and give without hesitation, always. I only take the donuts out of absolute near-desperate no-possible-alternative need. I went out and “got a job”. I am a work in progress, always. I take the steps I am comfortable with (and sometimes that i'm uncomfortable with) to get better. Sometimes, when I'm lucky I have awesome people around me who give me a good push (or shove) when I need it. Still, I am not brave enough to trust my art. Someday maybe I will be. This was a nice inspiration to try harder to do better (and to re-read Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, its short and sweet and truth.)

To Amanda: Thank you for sharing.