When a man would offer to help carry my bags, I figured he thought that I was weak and I would turn him down. If someone offered to help me at my show, Yum’s the Word, I would say no knowing it was easier to do it myself. I used to try to figure things out myself. I thought I had all the answers and if I didn’t, then I would find them out.
Man, was I wrong.
The funny thing is that I LOVE helping people. But when it comes to receiving it, not only do I hate accepting help, I hate asking for it.
But with my recent back pain, I have decided to ask for help. I’m asking fitness instructors for stretches, class recommendations, even desk suggestions and guess what, it’s helping.
So often I get paralyzed with decisions and put things off, but this constant discomfort is forcing me to make some changes... fast.
Yesterday I took a yoga class. Something I don’t do often because I have tendonitis in my wrists and I try to minimize how much weight I put on them (and let’s be honest, after the new year, I’ve got some extra weight to put on them. Fear not, that part of my self-care is coming.)
Luckily, we didn’t do too many vinyasas, so my wrists were spared, but what we did do felt like an overall body massage. Afterwards, I asked the instructor Mindy (different one from Saturday’s story) for some suggestions. I thought she might repeat some of the stretches the other instructors mentioned, but no, she had some new ones and she had one big one.
Before
I need to change the way I stand.
I danced for 20 years and as a result, my legs turn out. I’m well aware of this and thought it wasn’t a big deal. Apparently, that has worn on me over time and I need to stand with my feet facing forward. Sounds easy, but it’s not.
I love to work my core and try to balance on the subway without touching the poles - my feet stretched way apart. (I’m not a germaphobe. I just like the challenge of it.)
Yesterday on the subway I tried to stand with my feet forward. I couldn’t balance as well without touching the pole, but at least I tried.
The good news is that Mindy planted the idea in my head and now I’ve got the awareness.
Will I change the way I stand?
After
Very likely. I stand with my legs so far apart when I dry my hair you’d think I was going to do a straddle.
Will I change the way I walk?
That’s like asking me to breathe through my nose (Mouth breathers, unite!), but I’ll try.
And that’s all you can ask for. Baby steps. One foot in front of the other… with my feet facing forward.
What are small steps you take to take care of yourself?
Do you have a hard time asking for help?
Tell me below. I’d love to hear from you.