There are three words — actually, let’s call them a phrase because it hits harder when it flows — that we love hearing, whether we admit it or not:

“I got this.”

Or even better…

“I got you.”

There is something about those words, in that exact order, that just does something to you. It’s like an instant exhale. Like someone just walked into the situation, took the weight off your shoulders, and didn’t ask for a play-by-play or a thank you in return.

And honestly? Half the time, they don’t even need to say it.

You feel it.

It’s the person who just reaches for the door without hesitation. The one who grabs something out of your hands like, “why are you still holding all of this?” The one who steps in and handles it before you even have to think about asking.

It’s not loud. It’s not a production. It’s just… done. And somehow, it feels big. Like weirdly big.

I don’t care who you are — there is something about that moment that hits like you just watched someone do something superhuman. Like, yes, you opened a door… but also, in my current state of juggling everything in my head and in my hands, that felt like you lifted a car off me. Dramatic? Maybe. True? Absolutely.

And when it’s a kid? Forget it.

You’re thanking them, but you’re also immediately thinking about their parents. Because you know somewhere, those parents are walking around like, “yep, we did that.” And honestly, they should. Let them have that moment. (We will not be discussing the state of that same kid’s bedroom. Not relevant here.)

But I really think there’s a reason this lands the way it does.

It’s because of everything we’re carrying. Not just today’s stuff. But what didn’t get done yesterday.

What’s already lining up for tomorrow. What could go wrong. What someone else might need from us before we even finish our coffee.

And layered into all of that? This constant, underlying feeling that we still have to prove ourselves. That we’re doing enough. That we are enough.

So when someone steps in — even in the smallest way — and takes something off your plate? It hits your soul.

And I’m going to say this part out loud…

If it doesn’t? Then you might need to check yourself a little and ask when you stopped letting yourself receive help without questioning it.

Because that moment? That’s not small.

And if it’s your spouse? Honey… I will take an “I got this” over diamonds or red sole shoes any day of the week. No hesitation.

No second thought.

Because what that really says is: you don’t have to do everything right now. And that is everything. That’s sexy.

But let me flip this.

We all know how good it feels to receive it. Now imagine being the one who gets to give it. To step in without being asked.

To notice. To take something off someone else’s plate before it spills over.

To not violently wave your arms around when someone cuts you off switching lanes… but instead give a little nod like, “I get it.” Because let’s be honest — we’ve all been that person at some point, and it wasn’t intentional.

That’s power. Real power.

Not loud. Not showy. Not something you post about. The kind that makes someone else’s day feel a little lighter.

And here’s the thing — you don’t need to have it all together to do it.

You don’t need extra time. You don’t need perfect timing. You don’t need to fix everything.

Sometimes it’s just stepping in and saying, “I got this.”

Or better yet…

“I got you.”

So maybe this week, we actually pay attention.

When someone does it for us — let it land. Don’t brush it off. Don’t deflect it. Just take it in. And then go be that person for someone else.

Open the door. Grab the bag. Handle the thing.

Or just say the words.

“I got this.” And mean it.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a dishwasher to empty and a moment to fully own like I just saved the entire day.

Mother, author, entrepreneur and founder of Dandelion-Inc, Lisa Resnick wants to hear your story. Share memories with her by emailing lisa@dandelion-inc.com.