When Opportunity Knocks

I tend to think of myself as a person who usually asks for what she wants. However, I do at times hold back slightly for fear of being too forward, especially when I'm just getting to know people or, in my current case, starting a new job. But I learned the hard way yesterday that I shouldn't hold back--if you want something, you need to ask for it.

Last week my husband joked with me that I should ask Martha if I could go to the Emmys with her. I just laughed and said "Yeah, right!" I thought he was kidding, but I soon realized he was serious. But, why would Martha take me to the Emmys?

My husband, knowing my personality, was shocked that I wouldn't at least ask. While he would never do something that forward, he knew after 12 years together that I usually would.

Well, I have to say my husband was right. I should have asked. I ran into Martha yesterday and asked how her trip to California was (for the Emmys), and the first thing she said to me was, "We had an extra ticket. You should have come." I can't even begin to say how disappointed I was.

I think of this year with Martha as a tremendous opportunity--hopefully one that will last longer than a year--and I also look at it as a time to make some lifelong memories. Imagine 15 years from now being able to tell my children that I went to the Emmys with Martha Stewart! How amazing would that be?

I think Martha could tell how shocked I was. I told her that I would have loved to join her and that if any similar opportunities arise to please think of me.

I learned a valuable lesson. From now on, I'm going to ask! I'm sure there will be times when what I ask for doesn't come to fruition, but I'm going to at least take the initiative. When opportunity knocks the next time, I'm going to open the door.

Comments

[Terrie]

I'm sorry you missed out on a trip to the Emmy's with Martha :( But thanks for sharing your story, Dawna! You're right, it never hurts to ask.

[Vesna]

I believe if it feels right then you should ask. So perhaps you weren't comfortable about the idea and therefore you found it hard to ask.

A good question to think about though is how do we become comfortable about an idea we think is impossible or not very likely to happen?

[Jackie K.]

Oh! How I relate to this!

I saw you at the Disney Health & Fitness Expo recently - in your magazine booth. I waved a little wave and saw you were busy with folks. But now I'm kicking myself - wish I'd taken the time to approach you to say "hello", let you know I enjoyed watching all of the Apprentice - congratulate you on your win, and also how much I enjoy your magazine.
Sigh - next time I'll be more forward!!

[Melonie K. Murray (Workerette.com)]

Excellent points, Donna. Too bad you didn't make it to the Emmys, but I bet you won't hold back next time! Your post is a good reminder for all women to not hold back when they are truly interested in doing something.
It sounds like you are fitting in well over at MSLO and Martha is as "real" as she seems. Congratulations and best wishes!

[Dawna Stone]

Melonie - you are so right. We should all be a little better at asking for what we want. I hope this post reminds us that it never hurts to ask.

Jackie - I wish you would have stopped by the booth. I was at Disney giving a motivational talk (did you hear the talk on Saturday?) I hope you had a great race and enjoyed the expo.

Dawna

[Tatiana]

Oh! Sorry you can`t go, but I`m sure that some day you can go with Martha to another place. I hope someday you can ask for what you want.
Best Wishes
Tatiana