Editors Note: The thing I am working on the most right now is how to stop the constant negative conversation in my mind.  This article is such a beautiful reminder of how important it is to calm down that not so nice someone who is often bringing you down inside your head.  What is the point of being hard on ourselves when the world is tough enough already?  Read below, and take the time to read the piece more than once in order to fully understand how you can move forward with a more loving way to treat yourself.  ~Nitika~

One common problem I find women have trouble with is asking for help. And, why wouldn’t we? Our culture today embeds in us very early on the idea that we must pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, be totally self-sufficient, independent, and if we can’t do everything, then we simply aren’t trying hard enough, pushing hard enough, or working hard enough. It’s important for every gal to know how to change a tire, file her taxes, and put her make up on in the subway, among many random skills.

But, what about those times when we bite off too much? I am a constant culprit of biting off too much.  I pack my days from 7 a.m. through 11 p.m. where I am rushing from one appointment to another or to meet with that friend before grabbing dinner with the other scheduling no time for myself, And, when I look at another woman’s planner, to my surprise, it is always just as packed as mine. When asked to complete a task, I jump to say, “Sure, I can do that!” That includes formatting an entire Microsoft Access database that I don’t have experience with and running in a relay triathlon when I have tendonitus in my knees, and organizing a charity event without having the time to organize it! I have trouble asking for help. Or, simply admitting I can’t do something. We all do. In a world where saying, “I can’t,” either means “I’m stupid”, or “I’m lazy,” how can we not ask for help?

Well, enough. Sometimes, we just can’t do it, need to say no, or need to ask for help. And, guess what? That’s OK. Juggling one thousand things doesn’t serve us or whatever purpose we are working towards. Not to mention, how much do you love when you offer your help and someone actually takes you up on it? How much better do you feel when you know you can manage your workloads, aren’t overwhelmed, and are able to take time for yourself?

It’s ok to not do everything and be perfect 100% of the time. In fact, it’s awesome! The things I love most about my friends (and myself) are the quirks. I simply cannot play sports that involve balls. I do not understand investment banking. I know a lot of people love going to museums, and I simply don’t. I have learned to accept myself for my oddities, and find that my favorite things about my friends and family are their imperfections as well.

Take the time to relax and just enjoy the process of being human. To not be able to keep 20 balls in the air and just manage what you know you can.  Say no when you really feel like you should say yes.  Listen to your inner self. When I embraced the imperfections of myself and decided what I wanted to improve and what I could leave, life became enjoyable, effortless, and being imperfect became perfect. Ask for help, say no, and learn to love what you are and what you are not. It sounds easy! And, it should be. Because being you is a wonderful gift.

** This article was written by guest contributor Bevin Reilly, for her bio and contact information please visit http://yourbellalife.com/guest-contributors/