The Story
"I had to work late on this particular day and was approaching the cut-off time to fetch my son from his preschool. With my husband overseas for work, I was the sole caregiver.
A mixture of frustration and guilt was building as I contacted the preschool teachers to inform them I'd be late.
All of a sudden, a friend who was also fetching his daughter messaged that he had picked up my son and would drop him off at our place.
Still in my meeting, I couldn't explain the mix of emotions washing over me. I wasn't used to getting help. Nor accepting it.
But in that moment, I realised I needed that support — and that it was okay."
— From Weiwei, true story!
Universal Echoes
Many of us grow up learning that independence is strength. That carrying things alone is simply part of becoming capable, reliable, worthy.
But sometimes, it’s the small, quiet moments of letting go. Of saying yes to help. That opens the door to a different kind of strength.
The story we tell ourselves about self-reliance can be both empowering and limiting. In surrender, we don’t lose ourselves. We make space for connection, trust, and a renewed way of being strong.
Open Space
Where in your life have you been carrying the weight alone, even when help was available?
How has your story about independence shaped your relationships—with others, and with yourself?
This story was shared as part of the Narrative Trade Circle, a space where people offer a story from their lives in exchange for a narrative coaching conversation. Stories are shared with permission, and identifying details are changed to respect privacy.