After three hours at the dentist, released and numbed by the doctors, they prescribed me some antibiotics and painkillers to be paid and picked up next door. As I was already running late, I was being impatient with the pharmacy for picking up some simple medicine. As they rung me up at the cashier, all three of my credit cards were declined! I had no cash and I was thinking in my head, “Do I really need these painkillers for this root canal that I just had?” I could just leave it and not even bother, but the person working at the cashier suggested that I go back to my dentist and ask if they can spot me. Completely embarrassed and saddened by the fact that I don’t have any money, I went back to my dentist to ask for help. She gave me $20 (more than enough) to pay for my medicine. “I’ll pay you back next week!”
Running to my car, I stuffed the medicine in my bag, started my car and tears came streaming down my eyes. I screamed! I was utterly embarrassed and I felt so heated in that moment only to find out the next moment…that I have no more gas to drive to work in San Francisco. I was in San Jose which is about a 50 mile drive. I had less than a bar left of gas. I called my sister panicking and she offered to transfer some money to my account, but it didn’t work out, so I risked it and just drove eyeing my gas meter constantly.
I made it to work a little bit late. I realized I had a rough morning and was glad that I was at work and can start my day…”Oh wait.” I have no money to buy lunch. I was in need for help. I told my co-worker about my situation, the only co-worker I felt comfortable telling my vulnerable cry for help. Asking for money to buy lunch for the day. She was happy to help me. She didn’t have any cash so she lent me her credit card to buy myself some lunch.
This specific morning sounds like a “Fuck my life” moment, it was when I was screaming and crying in my car releasing the anger. The feeling without financial freedom is a bitch. I felt hopeless and that no one was out there to help me. However, it wasn’t a “fuck my life” moment after all because people are surprisingly helpful. My dentist who gave me cash even before I finished asking, my sister who is a nursing student without money offered to transfer me some money, and my co-worker who didn’t even need to hear my reasons trusted me with her credit card. People like me often underestimate the potential of the human community when help is needed most. In this case, I was afraid to ask for help, but I did and people were more than happy to help.
To explain the art of a human community and the art of asking in a way I couldn’t, I give you this amazing woman. I recently saw a TED talk by Amanda Palmer, an awe-inspiring, strong, and awesome artist who talks about the art of asking. Asking for help doesn’t make you seem weak or needy, it is something that can take you further in life than just you alone. In her talk, she emphasizes on the power of trust in people, asking and receiving help from others and just letting go. All of that changes the life of not only you but the helper as well which in-turn makes a community and a more friendly environment with trust and aid.
Watch her talk and she explains her story and lesson so incredibly.
Not travelling but still learning life lessons,
Dandelion Traveler
PS. For the people who read my blog, I am 1000 times better than my last post. I am so happy with a job in San Francisco, a new apartment, a new roommate, and everything else in between. Thank you for reading!
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