It’s a Matter of how you look at it

It starts with a scratch.

Sometimes all it takes is the mention of them.

And sometimes it can just be the sight of them on someone else.

Oh and how filthy they can make you feel!

I am talking about head lice. They are tiny yet very frustrating. Quite amazing how such a minute thing can cause great discomfort and embarrassment.

And getting rid of them can be quite a challenge, and a costly one, as I have recently found out.

When I first found them, I felt disbelief that quickly turned into questioning how and why, oh and a bit more frustration, as this was now another chore to add to an already busy schedule. I then wondered why such a minute thing could cause so much emotion, after all we are only taking about head lice, with a treatment they can soon be gone.

The admission that lice were evident sent a feeling of filth along with doubts that cleanliness was being kept up in the home, was I letting down those in my family?

I began to assess my feelings and concluded that it was more the labeling that comes with this scenario, that was linked to my emotions, and as a result of this there was plenty of effort to keep this knowledge from others. What would others think of the hygiene of our family? Would we now be labeled?

Then I thought on how blessed these head lice were to be living in such clean and well looked after hair! Why wouldn’t they want to live in such nice surroundings? After all, I know I appreciate a clean and well cared for home.

My issue with the ‘labeling’ that may have occurred, was just that – my issue.

What others thought of the situation did not change the fact that the lice were evident, and needed to be dealt with.  How I reacted to there opinion (that at times could be very verbal) could bring an even greater affect.

This scenario also knocked my confidence as care giver of the family. I perceived this as a ‘crack’ in my job performance, as I felt I had let down those who I care about by not protecting them.

As I took a few moments to process this, I realized that I could learn from these small creatures; they had entered our family environment for a quick visit (I made sure it was as quick as possible) and left me with a lesson or two.

These tiny creatures carry with them a ‘label’. If they are present it is often perceived that you as the recipient are unkempt. In this instance this is not the truth.

So I can now appreciate the misunderstanding and embarrassment that is often felt by others. Sometimes it can be the smallest issues that rock our confidence to the core and the understanding and support of another can be a life saver.

These creatures were not invited into their new ‘well kept’ home, but were keen to stay.

The vibe (environment) that we send to others provides an opportunity for them to be a part of our world, an opportunity for me to cause them to ‘scratch’ in wonder as to how they too can have a welcoming spirit.

May I be viewed as a ‘welcoming home’, not for head lice, but for the encouragement and support of those who I am blessed to meet.

Deb
Xx