Injury and Insight

Interesting what lesions life brings. During a recent Wildfire dispatch I managed to injure my hip. For about three days I walked with a limp and was unable to do many of the mundane things I do every day. Of course, this situation came during fire demobilization and four long flights home involving the inevitable walks between terminals at the airport.

My reactions to being “hurt’ surprised me. As many individuals offered assistance, from airport transportation to assistance in security lines, I became more and more insistent that I did not need help when in fact I did.

This got me to thinking about my personal need to be competent, and self-reliant. I asked myself ‘what is it about this situation that riles my need to be seen as capable’? “Why do I internally feel resentment towards those offering their help”? After all I have many times offered my assistance to those in need.

Coming away from this experience I wonder at what message people receive when offered assistance. I have new insight into those who feel a deep loss of independence when they find themselves incapacated by injury, age or mental condition.. It makes me wonder how to offer assistance and not trigger someone’s need to maintain control of their lives.