Why is it Hard to Accept Help?
As I age, and work with those dealing with chronic and advanced illness, I ponder this question.
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Does accepting help make us appear weak?
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Does accepting help make us look like we can’t do it our self?
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Does accepting help embarrass us?
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Are we too prideful?
Depending on the stage of illness and debilitation, some are forced to accept help – as was the case for my grandparents.
I remember my mother caring for her parents who became unable to care for themselves. We drove to Florida from Texas to move them closer. It was hard on my mom. I remember she swore she would never put the burden of her care on me and my brothers. And, as she aged and needed assistance, she refused our help – especially mine. Maybe because I was the only girl – who knows.
She developed COPD and then lung cancer and was forced to accept our help getting her to treatments, etc. She was never comfortable with it. Others, yes. Neighbors, yes. Children, no.
Have you offered help to others? Sure you have. Think about a time when your help was accepted with grace and appreciation. How did it make you feel? If you’re like me, you felt appreciated and wanted to do more. Helping others is expected of all of us.
I’ve vowed that when the time comes that I need help, I will accept the help with love and appreciation. Maybe I’m so passionate about this because my mother shut me down when I tried to help.
I will accept help when needed and will do it with a smile on my face and with great gratitude. What about you? Will you let pride – or whatever it might be – get in the way of allowing others to help you?
Something to consider before the time comes when you need that help.
Questions? Comments? Please get in touch, I’d love to hear from you!
Susan Gee, MMT – Progressive Massage Therapy – 501-915-4012
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