Don’t tell my Mom, but I had changed my middle name to INDEPENDENT a long time ago. Recently, I had to change it back.
I learned after a bicycle accident, and out of necessity, that it’s OK to ask for help.
That’s not to say old habits don’t die hard. Just this morning, I was almost in tears because I couldn’t figure out how to put my garage door opener back together after needing to change the settings. After giving in to asking for help (at least an hour later), I ended up with a borrowed one that’s compact and oh, so much nicer. My own should arrive in a few days. I also learned I can program my car to open the garage. How cool is that? (OK. So even though I work with technology daily, I have so much to learn.)
In my observation of the animal world, they have no problem leaning on others. What large dog owner hasn’t been nearly crushed by their dog? And what shoulder, face, arm, hand, foot, or leg hasn’t been a resting spot for cats? I’ve even witnessed live and in person a golden retriever nursing a litter of kittens. Go figure.
I say forget the saying when the going gets tough, the tough get going. They left out the part about even the tough sometimes need to grab a hand before they get going.
I don’t know of anyone who isn’t having some kind of difficulty in these times — even if it’s adjusting to a norm that may never feel normal again.
If you’ve changed your name to INDEPENDENT and like it that way, no judgment. But if you need help and are afraid to ask, I say go for it…even if it’s just small to start.
This blog’s photo reminds us that even the “king” of the animal kingdom has found someone to lean on.