What One Disappointing Phone Call Taught Me About Community

I called a friend for some help…. It wasn’t an easy call. I was already feeling defeated and overwhelmed and decided to lean on my community. A tough thing to do when you’re an “I’ve got this” leader

The response?

Less than warm. Even less helpful. Almost snarky.

It left me feeling embarrassed and sad. I felt like I have always been there and have been willing to share anything I can do to help them rise. A resource? No problem. A referral, good word, solid advice? Whatever it takes. Because here’s the thing: helping someone else rise doesn’t bury you. When we build together, we all rise. We get stronger by lifting, not weaker.

I can’t control how someone responds when I ask for help, but I can control what I learn from it. Here’s what I’ll be carrying with me moving forward

Be the person you needed.

    Just because someone couldn’t show up for you doesn’t mean you stop showing up for others. Let disappointment shape your discernment, not your character.

Ask anyway.

  Not everyone will say yes, and not every conversation will go the way you hope. But one “no” should never stop you from reaching out. The right people are out there, and they’re often waiting to help.

Build the kind of community you want to belong to.

    Celebrate wins. Make introductions. Share resources. Open doors. The strongest networks aren’t built on competition. They’re built on generosity, trust, and the belief that there’s enough room for all of us.

May we all become the phone call someone is grateful they made. 🤍