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Last week I had the amazing opportunity to attend a benefit concert at Radio City Music Hall where Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr played together for the first time since George Harrison’s death almost seven years ago. Wow! Along with 6,000 other people, I sat with tears rolling down my face as the two living Beatles sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

The truth is we all need a little help from our friends! Our need to be a part of a supportive group dates back to prehistoric days when it was crucial for our survival. And it’s still important today for our happiness, our success, and our peace of mind.

I know as I’ve strengthened my own support system, I’ve felt happier, freer, and more capable of manifesting my vision. My friends, family, staff, and mastermind groups all make up my true pot of gold.

I could not have completed Happy for No Reason (nor would have wanted to) without the remarkable support from my collaborator and best friend for the past 31 years, Carol Kline. She continues to help me stay on purpose and remind me what really matters in life.

For years I thought that accepting support from others was a sign of weakness—something I needed to “evolve out of.” But research shows that being “supportable” is actually a talent worth cultivating. Numerous studies have linked strong social networks with increased happiness, better health, and longer life expectancy.

With my mom in the hospital the last few weeks, I’ve seen the practical benefits of being supportable. (She gets out today—thanks for your great wishes for her!) The nurses and assistants have been incredibly helpful, but my mom has also done her part, by being gracious and willing to receive their help to do things she’s done independently her whole life.

I’ve observed other patients, afraid of losing their independence, resist the nurses’ support and fight help from anyone. It makes everyone miserable. It’s so clear that it takes great strength and humility to be open to receiving support.

To increase your own happiness and capacity to be supported, answer the following questions:

1. What do you need support with right now?

2. Who in your support system can help you with that?

3. How supportable are you?

Look for ways to open yourself to receive greater support. For an encore, go beyond “getting by”—and instead, thrive—with a little help from your friends!

Marci Shimoff  is the woman’s face of the biggest self-help book phenomenon in history, Chicken Soup for the Soul. To find out how you can bring Marci Shimoff to your next event refer to her bio at Speakers.com.