In which she gets up again

One good thing about releasing the release valve is that it gives people the opportunity to come in and rally around you. 

I learned a valuable lesson about all this following my last post.

How can people help if they don't know you need it?

I don't know what it is that makes me so fiercely independent; projecting the "I'm alright Jack!" persona that I do. Psychologists would possibly say that it has a lot to do with being the firstborn - the grin and bear it mentality, the people pleasing, the approval cravings. Maybe so.

Following the concerned advice of a dear friend I've made some appointments to explore some of that and address the dark thinking that seems to have pervaded my world at the moment. It's a relief to have done so. 

Whatever was ailing my dog seems to have been cleared out, thanks to the mess that greeted me on Monday evening. She is back to her normal self, has accompanied me on a short run and is now beautifully quoiffed following an appointment with the groomer. The carpets ate cleaned and we've returned to some kind of order.

Friends rallied around after Monday. Financial assistance was given quietly and without question. A box of organic fruit, vegetables, eggs, home grown and made goodies was delivered by a generous soul. I had lunch with some friends on Wednesday and quietened my mind with a Restorative yoga class. 

I guess you could say that I'm learning to look after myself again.

A very dear friend reminded me of safety instructions given before every flight, "Please put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others." I do need to apply that principle on a daily basis. How can I help others if I neglect myself?

It's good to be independent, but independence doesn't mean that you can't rely on others for assistance. It's not good to be an island, a lone ranger. We all need each other and this week I discovered that I am a better me if I let others into my world and allow them to bless me. In turn, it allows me opportunities to bless them in return. 

I cannot express my gratitude to each and every soul who showed concern in the different ways they did. They all helped immensely and in various ways, showed me the tools to help move forward.

I am forever grateful.