It’s 6:30 in the morning and I was in McCarran airport waiting for my flight to return home. I was hungry and didn’t want to risk eating something on the plane that I’d regret. So, I scouted around the concourse with some possible options. I approached the first food counter and asked for what I wanted, even though I didn’t see it on the menu. I’ve learned that it’s better to ask, even if you don’t see what you want, because they just might happen to have it. So, I asked. The server was really kind and said, “It’s good that you asked. Even though it’s not on today’s menu, we usually have it. He continued, “You might check the restaurant next door.” Thank you,” I said, and I went next-door.
Again, I didn’t see what I wanted on the menu but decided that I at least ask. The worst thing they could say would be “Sorry, we don’t have it.” And I walked up to the counter and asked for my selection.
“Do you see it on the menu?” The server said, in a somewhat irritated tone. “No,” I said, “but sometimes it’s worth a shot to ask.” He said, “Well not here. You get what you see and we don’t make egg white anything. This is not a gourmet restaurant.”
“Do you have oatmeal?” I asked, in an effort not to give up on my plan. “Well no, we don’t have oatmeal. Is there anything on the menu you’d like?” “No, thank you,” I said and I left.
As I walked away, I overheard him saying to a co-worker, “Some people are so picky. She should eat what she can get. Everybody’s on a health kick today.”
Some of you might be thinking if I had asked for something on the menu, this would have never happened. And you know, you’re right. But at the moment in time, I want to what work for my meal plan. I didn’t want bacon, fried eggs, and hash browns; I want to eat a healthier choice.
How many of us give up too soon or don’t even ask for what we need because we’re afraid someone will perceive us as “high maintenance” and picky, and with that ungrateful attitude, because our health needs differ from theirs. How many of us make a choice every day not to take care of our needs because someone might not like us. For years, I was that person. The one who couldn’t or wouldn’t ask for what she needed for fear of what others would think. Today I am not.
A powerful force, fear defines who we are, controls the choices we make, and keeps us stuck in places we’d rather not be. How do we learn to ask for what we want?
- Know going into a situation that it probably won’t be easy. You’re doing something you’re not used to doing.
- Just ask. You’ll never know unless you ask. I can’t tell you how many opportunities I missed simply because I was afraid to ask for what I needed or wanted.
- Know that there will be times and you’ll get what you want, and times you won’t. Sometimes I get what I want when I want it; sometimes I don’t. That’s life, and I’ve got to live with it.
- Have a Plan B. Be prepared in case you don’t get what you want. Are there alternatives and you can live with? Is there another option?
- What can you do in the future to better prepare for similar circumstances? In my particular case, I can perhaps bring the snacks with me or eat a little something before I leave for the airport. Think I’m alternatives that work for you.
Today I invite you to ask for what you need and want in a providing of situations.
