Our Most Powerful Action

3/14/2023

The Science of Unbreakable Things meets Silver Meadows Summer in Star Light Wishes, a vibrant, poignant middle grade debut about the coming-of-age moment when kids realize our most powerful action is asking for help.

There it is.

The pitch for the novel that I've been writing for a decade.

The pitch that I couldn't have written until two months ago because I didn't realize that's what the novel was about.

The pitch that I didn't want to be true.

Because let's face it.

If our most powerful action is asking for help, that means it's something I need to do, too.

So what do I need help with?

Too much to write about in one blog post, that's for sure. But I'll give it the good 'ole top ten treatment.

Here goes:

10. I need help being vulnerable.

9. I need help admitting I erred.

8. I need help accepting my skin is losing collagen faster than milk spills from a toppled glass.

7. I need help accepting that if I workout with anything heavier than three pound weights, I hurt myself.

6. I need help celebrating others.

5. I need help celebrating myself.

4. I need help learning how to do nothing.

3. I need help learning how to have fun.

2. I need help forgiving myself.

1. I need help asking for help.

10 Comments

Andrea link

3/14/2023 06:11:47 am

So true, I never think about asking for help. I guess I assume I should know things by now - maybe I need to be more thoughtful and disciplined. I like your precise statements - which got me thinking.

Kate Narita link

3/14/2023 03:04:33 pm

Hi Andrea,
I'm glad the post sparked thought. I'm just beginning to learn how to ask for help. This Thursday I fly to Virginia, and I'm going to need to ask someone to stow my carry-on because I have an injured back. I'm already prepping myself to do that.
Take care,
Kate

Kevin Hodgson link

3/14/2023 06:27:37 am

So true, this need to be vulnerable enough to reach out for help from someone else, and how powerful, too, to be in the position of helping someone else. Sounds like a good book, and the pitch worked for me.
Kevin

3/14/2023 03:07:01 pm

Hi Kevin,
So true! I didn't even think about the life-changing aspects of helping others, and I also didn't dig deep into the double-edged sword or wanting to give help, but not receive it. We're all humans. We all need help. Glad the pitch worked. Thanks for commenting.
Kate

Molly Hogan link

3/14/2023 07:08:59 am

There's a yielding in asking for help, but a power as well. A recognition that you don't have all the answers (or the control), but that there are others who can help you along your journey. Great pitch morphs into a great post!

3/14/2023 03:08:10 pm

Hi Molly,
Thanks for your kindness and the catchy compliment. I really appreciate it.
Kate

steph meier

3/14/2023 12:07:53 pm

I love this- so much. It was honest and vulnerable- look at you making progress on number 10 already!

I think what resonated most with me (other than needing help asking for help) were numbers 5 & 6. I, too, struggle to celebrate myself, which then translates to having trouble celebrating others. I see a lot of myself in your post- we aren't alone ! The first step is acknowledging where we need to do the work, and step two is actually doing the work. You've already got the first part down!

3/14/2023 03:11:11 pm

Hi Steph,
Thanks for noting the effort! Yes, it's a step for sure. I have to keep reminding myself it's not a linear or a circular path, but a spiral. Sometimes it will seem as if I'm moving backward, but hopefully I'm just gathering energy to spring forward. Thanks so much for your support.
Take care,
Kate

Glenda Funk link

3/14/2023 12:40:08 pm

Your post begs the question: Why are we so hesitant to ask for help? I recently finished reading "White Women," and one thing the book talks about is the problem w/ perfectionism. When we ask for help, we acknowledge our imperfections. Like you, I am not good at asking for help. I can think of times asking resulted in harsh criticism. I like this top 10 list, too.

3/14/2023 03:17:55 pm

Hi Glenda,
I just put WHITE WOMEN on hold through Libby. It's in such high demand that I won't get it for a few months. Perfectionism is definitely a defect of mine but it's hold on me is loosening, and for that I'm grateful. I know what you mean about asking for help. It is not always well-received for sure. I guess for me that will be one of the challenges asking and accepting the result, which will be out of my hands.

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