Someone in Your Corner

Have you ever had one of those days where everything seems to break at once, and you start wondering if there's something in the cosmic air?

I had a couple of those recently.

It started when I was driving to my first class of the semester, in hundred-and-some degree heat, and my car's air conditioner broke. I arrived a little sweaty but still half an hour early, with plenty of time to get ready, or so I thought.

The materials I'd requested for printing weren't there. Fine, I could improvise. Then the classroom computer wouldn't cooperate - a dead mouse, a new operating system needing setup, monitors that wouldn't sync. I called my department chair, who happened to still be on campus, and he came to help. While he helped, he also took a moment to tell my students how competent I actually am, even though in that moment I looked like a hot mess. It was wonderful having someone in my corner.

Class started half an hour late. I used it as a teaching moment: technology can be challenging, and when it is, ask for help. That's what I'm there for.

The next day, while my husband looked at the broken AC, I drove our third car, which then quit on me too, emergency flashers on, coasting to the shoulder. This time I called my husband, a pilot who's also handy with cars, was nearby and came to the rescue. We called a tow truck. Turns out that my car's tires needed replacement anyway, so I was suddenly down to zero drivable cars, but fine, since I mostly work from home and could borrow his while he rode his motorcycle.

Our third car was brought home by a tow truck (we’re still waiting on parts but it will be okay.)

Four vehicles for two drivers suddenly didn't feel so ridiculous. And I realized that even without the extra cars, I could have just called someone for a ride.

Which is the real lesson here: always reach out for help. Asking with the computer cut my down time in half, I’m sure. Asking with the car saved me a hot walk home.

So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, think about who you can call, even if all you need is someone to say, "That sucks, I'm here for you." It's not as hard as it feels, and it can be bonding, too. I bet that you'd help a friend in the same spot, so let someone return the favor.