How to tell if "it" is an empty subject?

Context:

If you’re feeling nervous, please take this to heart: we know the
vulnerability that comes with asking for things can feel intimidating,
but we are here as living proof that it’s not only possible to survive
it, it’s key to building a thriving gift economy that will bring you
what you want and need, not just in terms of stuff but also in a
wealth of connections and joy.

Do the two it here refer to the same asking for things? Can it be that the former it is an empty subject? How should I understand this sentence in simpler terms?