Getting Over the Embarassment

Well, if you know, you know.

And…

If you don’t know, I’ll help you out.

Accepting the reality that I need something to help me walk while trying to get from one doctor to the next was a little difficult.

But man, am I glad I got these beauties! While it’s just the start, I’ve already had mixed opinions.

Though I didn’t expect anyone to ask me, “Do you really need them?”

I know it may need more context for some people to understand why it’s kind of a crappy question.

I guess I could explain it this way, would you ask someone in a wheelchair if they needed it?

Look, it’s hard enough to admit I need the sticks. I was already embarrassed of my walk, now the sticks highlight me in a crowd.

What would people say about me?

After a great conversation with someone today, I was reminded that I tend to take people’s words to heart.

While that isn’t always a problem, allowing those words to override my own voice is THE problem. After more than 15 years of allowing my voice to die slowly, I kind of don’t want to do it anymore.

I’m growing rather fond of my voice. I may go quiet from time to time, but I’m still working on me. I’m still working on filtering the words of others.

To my fellow walking sticks, keep doing you. Keep loving you. Keep on keeping on.