Skip to main content
Inspiration for the Day

Happiness is. . . Learning how to Ask for what you Want

By 07/20/2009January 26th, 201723 Comments

You don’t always get what you ask for, but you never get what you don’t ask for. . . unless it’s contagious!  Franklyn Broude

I found a blog today that seriously made me think I should start another one just to do what this woman is doing; it’s called  The Daily Asker.  Last July, this blogger embarked on a 365 day experiment in asking for something every day.   Here is a recap of what she learned:  “The 88 things I discovered in 365 days of asking”.
   

I thought it would be the best structure in the world to practice asking for what you want, daily!  It reminded me of a book I bought years ago called The Aladdin Factor.  Here’s an excerpt from it:
Shannon Rast and her husband had dreamed of placing huge clay pots filled with flowers at both ends of their new home’s circular driveway. But other needs intervened.

Then Shannon saw four clay pots outside an out-of-business San Antonio motel.  Thinking she might buy them at rock-bottom prices.  She called a phone number on a sign in the motel’s parking lot.  She was told the structure, with three hundred rooms still full of furniture was to be demolished and absolutely nothing could be released.

Image Source

We’ll see about that, she thought.  After many phone calls she reached the California company that had bought the motel.  They assumed the furniture had been removed.  With the company’s permission, Rast took charge.

Rast called Youth Alternatives, a facility for runaway and abused children, whose thrift shop desperately needed donations.  She also contacted the Salvation Army and several other organizations. 
For ten days volunteers loaded trucks and hauled away furniture.  Soon the Youth Alternatives store was filled to capacity and the other organizations received similar boosts.

Although Shannon Rast’s original intention was personal, she fostered a new sense of pride among people who might never have worked together.  And today Rast’s circular driveway has four clay pots, two at each end.

The world is full of genies waiting to grant your wishes –Percy Ross

Related posts:
Happiness is. . . Being Uncomfortable
3 steps to Finding a Mentor in the Design Industry

While you’re here, subscribe to this feed so you don’t miss out!
0 pins

23 Comments

  • La Roxy says:

    Oh. My. Word… Maria!!! I got your comment, which led me to your amazing blog, where I spent the whole evening reading and exploring and discovering. WOW!! I am your new biggest fan! And then, to click back to your home page and see your shout out to my blog. Thank you! You are very kind.

    Here's to — as you put it in your smashing Post Number 101 — a colorful new friendship.

    xo,
    La Roxy

  • Annie says:

    I love this street Pic Maria, and what a great story. I could neva go around asking for things every day, I'm way too shyyy, NOT! Loved the story tho! Thanks

  • berries01 says:

    Yes, just ask the universe and eventually you will get what you wanted…and sometimes also even something better. 😉

    It took me 3 yearssssss to ge the dark red velvet curtains I wanted , and when I got them I gotthem for 1/10 th of the original price and bought 3 pairs too…lol. That's just ONE example.:D

  • interiorblogging says:

    I have just spent the last hour reading posts from The Daily Asker. What a fantastic concept. Thanks for the heads up. Also any idea where that street pic was taken, it looks a lot like a place I have been to in Peru.

  • Linda at Lime in the Coconut! says:

    Love that story! Grand Idea…checking out her blog now!

  • Design Esquire says:

    Great post! This is something I need to work on too. I'm off to check out her blog!

  • lizawiza says:

    How exciting that she started asking for herself and ended up advocating for others. Great story.

  • Haven and Home says:

    I am so bad when it comes to asking for things, I really need to try to work on this!

  • Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says:

    What an inspiring story Maria! Funny how sometimes you are trying to do one little thing (usually for yourself) and it can turn into a big deal (that affects others).

    I think the asking concept is something everyone should try. I do it all the time, and always have – my thinking has always been "the worst they can say is 'no'". Sometimes I get a "no", but more often I get a "yes"!

  • Karena says:

    Maria, this is just a fab idea! I do try every day to give a compliment or say something that will lift a persons spirits. This is a new challenge. I will start today and see what happens!

  • Between you, me and the Fencepost says:

    I forgot about the book "The Aladdin Factor" it was so good. I'm going to go find it, dust it off and re-read it. I loved reading your post this morning.

  • Ideezine says:

    Maria,

    Great post and I always ask. Most of the time I receive without even asking. It's about your attitude, positive attracks positive! Sounds like we have the same universal teachers.

    Bette

  • Angela in WA says:

    How did you know this is exactly what I was thinking today?

    Thanks for validating my thoughts!

    ~angela

  • Lauren says:

    wow what a great idea… I need to go check out the daily asker.. I'm not so great at being assertive and my dad's friend used to say "only 23 % of people complain and only 23% of people get what they want." hahah but I think it does go with the sentiment that you won't get what yhou want if you don't ask for it.

    great post & it has me thinking.
    xoxo,
    lauren

  • Rachel says:

    i got chills reading that story. what a great source of inspiration!

  • Kathleen says:

    Very inspiring. I'm going to head over there and read the daily asker. Thanks for such an interesting post.

  • Laura Trevey says:

    You are on my Thank You list today!
    Have a super week ~~

    Laura

  • Julia says:

    Wow, that's a great post. Ask and you will receive, far more than four clay pots.

    Very inspirational! I'm going to check that blog out.

  • Brillante Home Decor says:

    "Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find…" is also in the Gospel, which even for non religious or different faith people is still a great source of wisdom and hope.

  • Renae says:

    Maira,
    I have lived my life by, "it doesn't hurt to ask, because the worst that can be said is NO!" More often than not the answer is usually yes!
    I will certainly see what the Daily Asker is up to!
    Blessings…
    xo

  • K @ Blog Goggles says:

    That's awesome. I love stories like this.

  • Lynne Rutter says:

    excellent post! i am so happy i found this today. what a boost. thanks!

  • スタービーチ says:

    日本で一番会員数が多いのはやっぱりスタービーチ!若い娘から熟女まで好みのご近所さんがすぐに見つかる☆無料期間中に試してみませんか

Leave a Reply