I have a difficult time not only asking for what I need, but even figuring out *what* I need it at times.

Somehow it seems too simple to just say it is just an issue of low self-esteem. As I've been working on this, I think it has more to do with being trained that attending to my own needs would not bring desirable results.

The best antidote I have found is self-love, and self-compassion. I imagine how I would view a child asking for what they needed. If I would respond positively to a child, why not myself? Once I can recognize my personal response of guilt is out of sync with my own sense of how I would respond to a child, I know it is bad programming.

It is a process of awareness, and also forgiveness of myself for not caring for my needs. Just like a child, I am doing the very best that I know how -- and each feeling of guilt or worry is an opportunity to release and forgive.

I find it all too easy to get caught up in judging myself for 'not asking for what I need', so I've found the forgiveness is key.