Learning to lean... when I'm not strong

Hey Heroes!

As you may know, one of the reasons I work in different income streams is to provide a home for my elderly parents. Although my generational wealth is not financial, my mom and dad have provided years of priceless encouragement, prayer, shared meals, rides and childcare. And they still have a bottomless pot of coffee to share with me every morning when I go downstairs!

Lately, their growing medical needs have presented logistical challenges. Simultaneous appointments in different hospitals are running up against the cold, hard fact that I can't be in two places at once. Or postpone my project deadlines indefinitely.

So I'm learning to ask for help. 

• Translation: I received a HUGE medical records project consisting of scanned PDFs. So far, I've outsourced 43 out of the 65 pages to colleagues.
• Interpretation: I'm asking the agency for remote vs. in-person court assignments, whenever possible.
• Proofreading & editing: I am asking for delivery extensions here. They're usually granted if I ask with enough lead time.
• Localization: I work in-house, four days a week. It's mostly remote, but I've asked my manager for flex-time on appointment days, which was granted.
• Life: Sometimes I forget that I am part of a village, and my villagers are ready and happy to help. Yesterday, a family friend took my mom to one clinic while I took my dad to another.

Turns out delegating isn't just a skill for agencies with a dozen staff. It's how a one-person business stays standing.

As a freelancer, I can't just take a leave of absence and still pay my bills. So, I am learning to lean on the supports around me. For the days I feel overwhelmed. For the days I'm just. so. tired. For the days I'm not strong.

So here's my question for you, Heroes: where in your business could you ask for help this week?

I hope you have the supports you need.

To your success,

Catharine