Stop Worrying and Let People Help
Jul 14, 2018
Book #14: The Art Of Asking by Amanda Palmer
❤ Book #14 review from my 50 Books 2018 Challenge!
❤ You can read about my initial challenge progress, and check out all the books I’m reading this year here. I got off track, but I’m back at it now!
The Art Of Asking
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help, by Amanda Palmer
This was my first audiobook!
And my audiobook virginity was taken by a rock star.
“From what I’ve seen, it isn’t so much the act of asking that paralyzes us — it’s what lies beneath: the fear of being vulnerable, the fear of rejection, the fear of looking needy or weak.
The fear of being seen as a burdensome member of the community instead of a productive one.
It points, fundamentally, to our separation from one another.”
― Amanda Palmer
Recommended by one of my best friends, this book was definitely not what I expected.
I hate asking for help, have trouble accepting it, and suffer way too often because of this.
As you know, I read my fair share of self help books, and since the title is “The Art of Asking” I assumed it would be a straightforward self help “here’s how you ask for help” type of book.
I was totally wrong.
It’s a biography of Amanda Palmer’s journey about how she learned the art of asking, and it did not include the typical practical steps I was seeking.
However, I absolutely loved it, learned so much from her life experiences, and really enjoyed listening to her tell her story.
I really loved her voice and genuine energy, and enjoyed listening to all 11.5 hours. (I actually kind of miss listening to her!)
“There’s no “correct path” to becoming a real artist.
You might think you’ll gain legitimacy by going to art school, getting published, getting signed to a record label.
But it’s all bullshit, and it’s all in your head.
You’re an artist when you say you are.
And you’re a good artist when you make somebody else experience or feel something deep or unexpected.”
— Amanda Palmer
“There’s really no honor in proving that you can carry the entire load on your own shoulders.
And… it’s lonely”
— Amanda Palmer
If you’re looking for an excellent, entertaining, and insightful audiobook, I highly recommend this one. (I’ve listened to a few more since this one now and this one is still my favorite listen.)
I really loved hearing Amanda’s experience and perspective on being an artist, and making a living making your own art. She shares her most raw, honest, and vulnerable thoughts and feelings.
Trust is a huge part of this whole ‘asking for help’ process — and Amanda’s stories really helped me process my perspective and emotions on trusting in others to help me move forward.
“When you openly, radically trust people, they not only take care of you, they become your allies, your family.
Sometimes people will prove themselves untrustworthy.
When that happens, the correct response is not: Fuck! I knew I couldn’t trust anybody!
The correct response is: Some people just suck. Moving right along.”
— Amanda Palmer
If you’re going to listen to one audiobook this year — choose this one.
Disclosure: This book link is an affiliate link, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
