Is It Just Me?

A few years ago I learned that my then-seven-year-old granddaughter, Sophia, had a terrible problem. Apparently girls at school were doing cartwheels during recess. Try as she might Sophia was struggling with how to do one. Peer pressure and worry had set in as she asked me, "Is it just me, Nana? Why am I the only one who can't do a cartwheel?" She was bewildered on how seemingly everyone in the world had this ability except her.

I knew why Sophia had turned to me for help. My three sisters and I had all been cheerleaders back in the late sixties and early seventies. She had witnessed us doing cartwheels, round offs and pyramids at a recent family reunion (some people never grow up!). Feeling needed, I quickly researched online on how to teach a child a cartwheel. Sophia and I engaged in a few lessons on the front lawn. Before I knew it she was doing cartwheels with relative ease. Her recess self-esteem picked up and I amused myself with thoughts of being indispensable as a grandmother.

I have often thought of Sophia's question, "Is it just me, Nana?" and wondered how many times we ask ourselves a variation of that question…is it just me or am I the only one who can't…? Whether a child is struggling with sports, academics or fitting in, or an overwhelmed parent is trying to juggle way too many responsibilities, any myriad of scenarios can nag us into lowered self-esteem. At such moments it seems to be a universal reaction to inwardly assume that we are the only ones incapable in that area.

Here's to helping ourselves and our beloved family members feel less alone when we ask, "Is it just me?"

(the photos below are proof that Sophia's Nana and Great Aunts still have cheer leading in our blood!)