"Do you need a hand out today?"
"Oh, no. I'm fine thank you."
Why is it that as good Canadians, we don't want to bother others? Even though others are offering their help, we are too polite to receive it? Or perhaps, I should hone the statement down from the generalization of Canadians (because if I think others do it too, it's easier to accept) to just myself?
Here it is. My confession: I am absolutely horrible at asking for help. With anything. Even at nine months pregnant, lugging around a toddler and whatever else, should the offer arrive at my feet, I would decline it. "No. Me do it. All bys mineself." Gee. Wait a minute. That sounds vaguely familiar.
Today, I accepted the offer for carry out for my groceries. (Actually, it was the third time the cashier asked.) Not in two pregnancies did I do that. But today, lugging around Isaac, and the cold... I just did. And it felt wonderful. As the fine young lad loaded up my trunk, I was able to strap Isaac into his seat, and then off we drove. Just like that. Easy-peasy.
Why do I think that by not accepting help I am "helping" the other person out? Don't want to put anyone out, or bother them. Yet they are offering. This doesn't just happen at the grocery store. It's all over in life. Earnest people offering a hand. I'm really not doing anyone any favours. Only cheating myself out of a more pleasant, fulfilling experience.
I promise to do my best; to accept help whenever and wherever it's offered.
Or at least once in a while.
out of my comfort zone.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Posted by Jodi at 2:29 p.m.
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2 comments:
Good for you, Rodi! I hope this positive experience will encourage you to say "Oh, that would be nice. Sure, you can help me." more often.
I LOVE getting help out with my groceries. It makes me feel warm and good about myself. Heck, I've accepted help out with only two bags to carry. They asked, so I said 'OK!'. : )
Yeah I used to think it was crazy to have someone help me out until I had Lucas in his infant seat and not nearly enough hands. It really does seem to make everyone feel better when you accept a little help once in a while!
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