“I am SO tired”.
“I just feel SO tired, and I don’t feel like doing anything because I am so tired”.
It was mid morning. My energy was low to non-existent even though I had slept through the night.
Then from within I heard loud and clear “Well there are lots of vitamins on your shelf, go help yourself”.
Right….so now it’s decision time. Am I just going to stay on this rant and grumble, or would I actually like to do something to change the results? I went and helped myself to a Multi-vitamin and a Complex B vitamin.
A few months later….
It’s a Monday night and I’m ready to go to a group meeting, fresh rhubarb cake in hand. The phone rings. Group is canceled. “I was so looking forward to this, they canceled this group again, and I just made this cake…now what am I going to do”?
Then from within, came that same voice, loud and clear “Well Becky is on her own and would have just got the same call. Help yourself. Pick up the phone and call her”.
I did. I invited her to come over for tea, cake and a visit. And in the end, not only did I help myself to company and something to replace the group that night, but I helped myself to a new friend. It was the beginning of a great friendship that has grown, and Becky has become a precious friend. Having the time one-on-one allowed conversation and connection that didn’t happen in a group setting.
Since these two experiences, Help Yourself has become an option in dozens of situations. The other day I picked up my NLT bible and noticed it said “Self Help Edition” at the bottom. Right…help yourself. Pick it up and read it!
How many times when we grumble and complain, is there actually an answer, option or what we need right smack in front of us? Similar to being at a buffet – it’s all there, but you have to help yourself. If for some reason you are unable to reach, then helping yourself may mean asking someone to assist you.
If you are disabled, lacking skills, knowledge or information, then ask someone who is able, equipped or can direct you. Sometimes when I’m looking for my keys, I tend to mutter out loud Where did I put them? Occasionally from somewhere in the house, my roommate replies I think you left them on the table. Asking is good! If you are injured or having a heart attack, you need to help yourself, if possible, by calling the paramedics.
The other day I had to bring something fairly heavy from the car up the stairs at home. There’s that voice again. Help yourself. You have the luggage dolly hanging in your cupboard. Use it to get it to the door so you don’t have to carry it the whole way. I ended up using it all the way, pulling it up the stairs one step at a time.
I couldn’t reach something on my top shelf. Help yourself, use the long tongs to get a hold of it, or get the mini step ladder.
I need some information. Help yourself. Call someone who knows, check Google, get a map, go to the library.
This has made a significant difference in my life. It saves time. It keeps me from whining, feeling victimized, depressed and kills self-pity on the spot as I realize I have choice. Even if there is no one physically present to help me, I am present. I can choose to help myself. I can pray, look, search and even be creative in how I can help myself.
Two little words – one big difference!