I just severely gashed my hand
You are worthy of support.
Affirm this to yourself: “I am worthy of support.”
Right now, while writing this, I've just returned from my local doctor's office after getting a rather large gash glued shut in the palm of my hand. *eye roll.*
I was out for a walk with my husband, Jesse, when I slipped on the stairs (cringe) and landed on my ass, reaching out my hand for something to break my fall only to find a stick standing at attention.
Jesse kicked right into caring mode, trying to figure out what damage I'd done and what I needed to get back home and care for my body.
Two things came up for me while all of this was happening.
1). I often feel like a failure if I need help, and I do not like being fussed over (even if deep down I desire care and affection). The urge to reject help and take care of myself is strong. This is due to a thousand different things and largely to my conservative Christian upbringing, where I was taught that my highest calling was to be helpful, not a hindrance.
2). I have a hard time being vulnerable when the situation is outside of my control.
Here's where the affirmation comes in:
I am worthy of support.
I am worthy of support.
I am worthy of support.
Needing help does not make you a failure.
Help is how the world works.
Help is a vibrant and vital part of community, connection, and relationship.
Help is normal.
Help is ordinary.
Help is miraculous.
There is no shame in needing it, and honestly, there should be no pride in giving it, because it's the nature of living.
We give and receive and we give and receive, and we lean into all the spaces in between.
It is not your calling to be helpful; your work is to be human, and that includes helping and accepting help.
Both are spiritual practices.
Both are holy.
You have the capacity to accept help. I know the vulnerability is scary. It can be terrifying to allow someone close enough to see you at your edges, in your thin places, where there seems to be no buoyancy.
Woven into your body, through your senses, are the physical capabilities to allow yourself to be seen, known, and cared for. That's right - your senses aren't only used for what you can do and give and be, but for all the things you need to receive, too.
Accepting help is not a weakness but a strength.
It's courageous and bold and, most often, a giant leap of faith. And since every leap of faith begins with the radical awareness of where you are, understand that your soft, vulnerable places are just as much a part of you as your more socially celebrated and acceptable parts.
Don't hide them, ignore them, pretend they're not there.
Do not deny yourself the help you need because you don't think you can handle someone seeing what's true about you.
The truth is,
You are worthy of support.
You are worthy of support.
You are worthy of support.
Whether you gash your hand open on a walk with your partner, you're facing a huge disappointment, betrayal is ripping your heart out, or an unwanted change has turned your life upside down - whatever it is - allow yourself to be supported; it is the holy thing to do.
Allow yourself the courage to show up and be seen - it is the only way for you to get what you need.
AFFIRMATION: I am worthy of support. Help is how the world works. Allowing myself to be supported is not a sign of weakness but an act of courage.
Written by Liz Milani
Instagram: @thepracticeco
From this week’s series "The Great I Am" this week, with a subscription, in the App.
