Help, I need somebody - HELP!

Catchy title, but it is purposefully misleading. The question I pose to you is this - Are you a "self" helper or do you constantly need the help of others?

I am in the "business" of helping people. It is what I am called to do, but I am also in the business of helping people discover the resources they need to continue their spiritual formation on their own, developing a community of people around them, and give to and serve others as well.

We all have to start somewhere. We have to have "other" discipline in order to learn the gift and fruit of "self" discipline***. It is necessary to look to others for help, you shouldn't ever feel guilty for asking for help, but there comes a point when you must stop holding another person's hand and jump into the deep end yourself.

Some people naturally have this fire inside to continually self start and stoke their fire. Others need convincing, and still others need a semi-truck to drag them along. But we can all be self motivated and cultivate that learning process for ourselves.

The process I take (I am no expert) is I am constantly curious about something. I stoke that curiosity with research; magazines, blogs, websites, and people. I ask a lot of questions - I get my feet wet.

Once I get comfortable in the area of interest, I continue the research phase, but I start to implement what I have learned. I have done this with strength training, triathlon training, mountain biking, cooking, writing, painting, home improvement, deliverance, old testament bible history, baseball, psychology and loads more. Put your hand to it, get involved. Branch out of your comfort zone!

Then, keep going. Get out of bed and take the next step when you feel like you don't want to. I don't always feel like writing, cooking, working out, or studying, but I discipline myself through the discouragement and lack of desire. Then, eventually, I feel like it again. I have kept up the journey, and moved through the discomfort.

What have you been putting off that you should start? Go for it! And then... keep going. ;)

*** How people Grow by Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend