Asking For Help

I sprained my ankle really bad yesterday (picture here).  I was just stepping out of my house to go to an appointment. I locked the door and stepped back while turning and heard two pops.  Instantly I started sweating and breathing fast.  Oh, it sucked.

A neighbor helped me and at first I thought I didn’t need the help.  And as others found, out they offered me help too. It reminded me of when I was 20 and had surgery on my wrist that had been broken for five years.

I had my Mom and girlfriend ready to wait on me hand and foot and I pushed them away; told them I was fine.  I went to school that following Monday, driving myself with cast from my wrist to my shoulder.  The professors already told me it was fine if I took a few extra days off but I didn’t.

I took some of the help that has been offered to me yesterday but I have still declined some that I shouldn’t have.  I can’t find one reason and can only guess at the mixture of ideas of why I don’t ask or take advantage of help being offered.

The weird part is that I love to help people.  I have stopped to push stalled cars out of the road more times than I can count. I took at friend’s cat to the vet while they were out of town. (I’m scared of cats because they have Five Points of Attack).  I love to help but asking for it is almost painful.

Which brings me to the real estate segue.  I know of cases where homes went to foreclosure without anyone ever trying a loan modification or a short sale.  They don’t want to ask for help.  Whether it is ego, independence, taking your lumps, toughing it out or whatever, you need to drop your guard and accept help.  (I’m talking to myself here as well).  The way you enjoy helping is not unique to you.  You help others by letting them help you.

It borders on selfishness not to let others help.  So whether you are mulling over a tough situation like a short sale or need someone to bring you some ibuprofen, accept the help.