“Amanda, you can't pick up all the pebbles on the beach”.
These words of wisdom were said to me years ago by a colleague at work.
I had just returned from maternity leave, having accepted a big promotion, and I was struggling to cope.
The promotion was exciting. I had a team of 35 and our company was going through a large and complicated merger.
But I had a baby to consider, and my mom, who lived 150 miles away, had just been diagnosed with cancer.
I was trying to hold it all together.
The problem was, I was assuming responsibility for ALL of it.
I felt strongly that I should be able to cope and, if I didn't I was somehow letting myself and others down.
The pebbles on the beach comment was my turning point.
I suddenly realised I did not have to cope by myself anymore, and I asked for help.
I was amazed by the response.
So, if you are struggling right now at home or at work, know that you have choices.
They might not be obvious, or even in sight right now, but take the first step.
Ask for help.
“We don't have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” ― Brené Brown
