Are You Willing to Ask for What You Need?

Writing you from a hotel room in beautiful Roma…

Let me ask you a question: Are you willing to ask for what you need?

It’s a question that I’ve grappled with over the years. You see, I used to shy away from being perceived as demanding or a diva. But life has a funny way of teaching us valuable lessons, and spending countless nights in hotel rooms has taught me the importance of advocating for my own comfort.

Just yesterday, I found myself in a situation that perfectly encapsulated this lesson. Assigned a room on the second floor, practically at street level, I realized it wasn’t quite right for me. While the room itself was pleasant enough, I enjoy the freedom of walking around without my clothes, and the proximity to the street made me feel uncomfortably exposed. Moreover, the constant noise of passing traffic disrupted any chance of peaceful relaxation.

So, I took a deep breath and did something I wouldn’t have dared to do in the past—I asked for a change. Despite the hotel being fully booked, they graciously offered to move me to a different room the next day.

And let me tell you, the difference was like night and day. In my new room, I found peace, serenity, and a view that warmed my soul. It made me wonder: How many times have I settled for less, simply because I was afraid to speak up?

This experience reminded me of the power of advocating for oneself. Whether it’s requesting a different table at a restaurant or asking for a new hotel room, it’s about more than just comfort—it’s an act of self-care, a declaration that your needs matter.

So, I invite you to join me on this journey of self-advocacy. Are you willing to ask for what you need? Are you willing to prioritize your comfort and well-being? It may feel uncomfortable at first, but trust me, the rewards are well worth it.

Until next time!

And…  Let’s embrace the power of asking for what works for us.

Warm regards from Roma!

Kalpana Raghuraman

Kalpana Raghuraman is an advanced facilitator with the modality Access Consciousness, a published author and scholar. She is also artistic director of her own dance company, Kalpanarts.