In the past I have not been very good at asking for help. I have practiced and over the years gotten a little better but my pregnancy has brought upon a new level of learning to ask. My husband reminds me almost daily of things I could have asked for help doing instead of struggling to do it myself around the expanse of my belly. It is a learning process that takes conscious effort.
One thing we have done this pregnancy that was difficult for me was choosing to pay someone to build our kitchen island for us. I come from a family of carpenters and craftsmen and we take pride in doing projects ourselves. A kitchen island seems small compared to the enormous deck we built last year. But in the end I have to admit that being pregnant has slowed me down and it will be nice to have an island without the mess and stress of crafting it ourselves.
This weekend was another lesson in asking. My husband was out of town but as usual I set about my long list of tasks to complete. Among the list of things I was most excited about; I installed the carseat base in my car. Unfortunately, in my excitement I forgot to put the seat protector mat in first and I could not get the carseat to then UN-install. I mentioned it to my family at lunch yesterday and my dad was so sweet to come out and help. (Even he had a hard time getting the straps to loosen! At least we know this carseat isn't going anywhere.)
The lesson I'm learning is that while I can do many things for myself, sometimes it is better to ask someone who could do it easier, faster, or is more specialized in the task. I hardly hesitate to call the doctor if I feel something is not right. So why not allow other people to use their expertise as well?
I'm grateful for this reminder. I'm grateful that my dad offers help when he sees me having a challenge. I'm grateful to be learning the art of asking and slowly improving actually voicing it. I'm grateful for my husband that keeps me consciously aware of the simple ways I could be practicing asking. I'm grateful for a weekend of practice even while he was away. I'm grateful to say that even with a few struggles, this weekend was amazing and wonderful. And I'm grateful to know that my belly is not the only part of me that is continuing to grow.
How do you ask for help? Which areas are easiest to ask for help in and which areas are harder?
May today bless us all with the awareness of the gifts and strengths of those around us. May we find the courage to ask for help and support waiting in that space. Have a beautiful day!
One thing we have done this pregnancy that was difficult for me was choosing to pay someone to build our kitchen island for us. I come from a family of carpenters and craftsmen and we take pride in doing projects ourselves. A kitchen island seems small compared to the enormous deck we built last year. But in the end I have to admit that being pregnant has slowed me down and it will be nice to have an island without the mess and stress of crafting it ourselves.
This weekend was another lesson in asking. My husband was out of town but as usual I set about my long list of tasks to complete. Among the list of things I was most excited about; I installed the carseat base in my car. Unfortunately, in my excitement I forgot to put the seat protector mat in first and I could not get the carseat to then UN-install. I mentioned it to my family at lunch yesterday and my dad was so sweet to come out and help. (Even he had a hard time getting the straps to loosen! At least we know this carseat isn't going anywhere.)
The lesson I'm learning is that while I can do many things for myself, sometimes it is better to ask someone who could do it easier, faster, or is more specialized in the task. I hardly hesitate to call the doctor if I feel something is not right. So why not allow other people to use their expertise as well?
I'm grateful for this reminder. I'm grateful that my dad offers help when he sees me having a challenge. I'm grateful to be learning the art of asking and slowly improving actually voicing it. I'm grateful for my husband that keeps me consciously aware of the simple ways I could be practicing asking. I'm grateful for a weekend of practice even while he was away. I'm grateful to say that even with a few struggles, this weekend was amazing and wonderful. And I'm grateful to know that my belly is not the only part of me that is continuing to grow.
How do you ask for help? Which areas are easiest to ask for help in and which areas are harder?
May today bless us all with the awareness of the gifts and strengths of those around us. May we find the courage to ask for help and support waiting in that space. Have a beautiful day!
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