All of us need a helping hand from time to time. Whether it is because something is too heavy and we need someone stronger to lift it for us, or because of physical limitations due to health conditions. Sometimes it is hard to admit that we can’t do everything ourselves and to ask for that help.
I am having mobility issues at the moment with pain and so I am learning to be open about that and to ask for help. I have always been independent and I will admit more than a little stubborn, but I am learning that sometimes asking for help is not only useful, but necessary.
At home, I have always been the one to cook the meals as my husband doesn’t really cook. However, he knows that my pain issues make it hard for me to stand too long and is becoming more involved in getting meals together. Even if it is a matter of me sitting and prepping and chopping and him doing the cooking with me being the ‘foreman’ on the job, it saves me standing and is much appreciated. Along the way, he is getting more used to cooking and I get to sit and rest for a bit. It is also nice being in the kitchen together and chatting while we are jointly involved in making a meal.
It is not easy admitting that some things are difficult for me, when I have always been very independent, but I am trying to consciously ask for and accept help these days. Those around me won’t necessarily know how I am feeling to offer help, so it is my job to let people know what I need from them.
As I often say to people that I work with, it is difficult if you have always been the person who is the ‘helper’ or ‘supporter’ to actually accept help from others. We all at some stage will need someone to help us out and I think it is a skill in itself to know when that is necessary and ask for and accept help in good grace.
Asking for help doesn’t mean that you are weak.
It takes strength to acknowledge our limitations and to know when to ask for help.
My journey with Parkinsons 