As I embark on this exciting journey of becoming an empty nester, one thing becomes crystal clear – the importance of learning to ask for what I want and need now. It often feels uncomfortable, and very foreign, especially when I've spent years accommodating others and putting their needs before my own.

The Challenge of Speaking Our Truth

Many of us find it challenging to speak our own truth about how we truly feel. We've become adept at prioritizing others, never wanting to inconvenience or put anyone else out. Strangely, while we're more than willing to listen to others' needs, wants, or expectations, we often falter when it comes to advocating for ourselves. Now the time has come that we have nothing but space and opportunity to share our truths.

The Transformative Power of Asking

However, I've come to understand that learning to ask is a transformative skill that empowers us to advocate for ourselves, assert our needs, and ultimately create a life filled with fulfillment. In this post, I'm sharing the importance of learning to ask for what you want and providing practical tips to cultivate this empowering skill.

1. Recognize Your Worth

The journey begins with me recognizing my inherent worthiness. I needed to understand that my desires and needs were just as valid as anyone else's. Wanting and needing are inherently human, and there's no reason to feel guilty about having my needs met. Building self-worth forms the foundation for confidently expressing my desires, without being afraid of others' responses. This felt so strange to me, but at the same time exciting because for once I wasn’t denying something for myself for the sake of others. I’m giving myself permission to freely and openly want what I want, feel worthy of it, and not apologize for it.

2. Identify Your Desires

It's time to embark on a journey of self-discovery! Diving deep into the core of our being to unveil our true aspirations and desires is not just important; it's essential. As I take a moment to reflect on what fills my heart with joy, what my soul yearns for in both my personal and professional life, and the incredible goals I aim to conquer, I'm reminded of the power that lies within. It's this clarity that enables me to communicate my desires effectively to the world. So, let's dive in and uncover the treasures hidden within our hearts! 💫

3. Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

We all encounter that pesky fear of rejection, judgment, or feeling like we're asking for too much. We all know those feelings can hold us back, but it's essential to understand that they often come from societal pressures and those sneaky self-limiting beliefs. But here's the deal: we've got the power to challenge these fears!

How, you ask? Well, it starts by recognizing our own incredible strengths and capabilities. We need to remind ourselves that asking for what we want isn't a sign of being demanding; it's a testament to our self-confidence and self-care. So, let's rise above those fears and confidently reach for the things we desire! 💪💖

4. Practice Assertiveness

It's not just a trait we're born with; it's a skill we can nurture and develop through practice. And guess what? We can start small!

Imagine this: choosing the restaurant you genuinely want to dine at or speaking your mind in a group discussion. These everyday situations are the perfect training grounds for assertiveness. It all begins with clarity and focus, laying a strong foundation for expressing ourselves confidently. As we grow more comfortable with this skill, we can apply it to more significant areas of our lives. So, let's start small, grow steadily, and embrace the power of assertiveness!

5. Use Effective Communication

There is magic in effective communication! It's the golden key that opens doors when we want to ask for what we truly desire.

Picture this: clearly articulating our needs by using friendly "I" statements to express how a particular situation or outcome would make us happier. Being direct, honest, and always respectful in our communication is the secret sauce. And guess what? Active listening is like the cherry on top; it helps us understand others' perspectives and discover solutions that work for everyone involved.

So, let's harness the power of friendly communication and make those conversations feel like warm, cozy chats with friends!

6. Embrace Rejection as Learning

We've all faced rejection at one point or another at some point in our lives. Yep, it's just a fact of life, but guess what? It's no reason to feel discouraged.

In fact, I've come to see rejection as a golden opportunity for growth and learning. It's like a friendly teacher nudging us to improve. And here's the kicker: it has absolutely nothing to do with our worth or value as human beings. Each rejection is a stepping stone, a lesson that refines our approach, and gets us one step closer to nailing our next request. So, let's embrace rejection with open arms and a friendly smile, knowing that it's all part of our journey to success!

7. Build a Supportive Network

A supportive network is like a warm, comforting blanket on this journey of ours.

Here's the scoop: surrounding myself with these incredible souls who lift me up, cheer me on, and sprinkle encouragement like confetti is absolutely essential. We're talking about sharing our experiences and even our struggles with asking for what we want. It's like having a treasure chest of wisdom and advice at our fingertips. And guess what? Drawing inspiration from those who've mastered this skill is like adding a dash of magic to our transformative journey. So, let's build our cheerful support squad and conquer the world together! Join the Recalibrated Mom Facebook Group, there, we can learn, share, and grow on this new journey of empty nesting together!