Gandalf has one, Charlie Chaplin was famous for his and Brad Pitt was recently spotted with one. So why am I so reluctant to use a walking stick when I need to?
This came up for discussion last week in the Fatigue Management course, when I wailed about how scary it was to walk to the loo in a busy pub or restaurant (I have been known to trip and fall spectacularly, in full cartoon-mode). I can sit there for hours, carefully plotting the best route, working out how slippy the floor is and counting how many people I could quite possibly fall over in front of. If I don’t know where the loos are, I will send a friend first and extract every last bit of information from them. ‘How far did you say? Big plant to watch out for? Carpet or wooden flooring?’. And so on.
The suggestion from the group was that I should carry one of those folding ones in my bag and just use it for extra balance when I need to. It’s a huge psychological step though, isn’t it? It’s almost the same as the first time you go outside with a pram – you think everyone is looking at you and it takes a while to get used to it.
And how on earth do you actually walk with it? I think I may need a few trial runs. I will go out when it is dark, in dark clothing to a very dark place and give it a go. Do you put the stick down first, then walk or walk then put the stick down? What’s the rhythm? What if I trip over the stick?
I had a chat with a friend a while back about this conundrum. She put her hand on my arm and said, ‘Daaaarling (she’s a bit posh), never fear! Why do you think all the best ballet teachers have one? It gives them authority, it is chic and makes a statement’. Fair point. So the last time I was in town, I scanned the crowds, picking out every single person with a stick. I failed to find a single chic person. The majority were eligible for free bus passes. Where are all the young people with sticks? Where do they hide?
i had the same conundrum – my wife bought me one which was a bit like a Willy Wonka candy-cane, then i got another one as a hand-me-down from my Grandmother (!)…
since my diagnosis, i’ve noticed a lot more people using canes/sticks/walkers/chairs, etc – i guess i’m just more sensitive to it. friends who have seen me with my stick think i look very authoritative and suave, if that counts for anything!
Hi Steve,
Oh, I’d love to look suave! Must dig the thing out and give it a whirl. Scary though! x
Nothing worse than a carpet stumble,always looks like the wildest dance move from Saturday night fever
I have just started to use one,and at 54 it was a major thing for me,took us hours before ifoundoneinajunk shop with a tigers head as the handle before I was happy, daft isn’t it
It is pretty major!! I have a couple of nordic walking ski poles too – maybe start a trend?? x
try the stickman uk on internet, pricy but fancy 🙂
Thanks Tony, will check it out. Definitely worth investing in a good one! x
Hi Tony,
I have made a complete fool of myself too many times to count! Am getting quite well acquainted with all manner of floors….sigh. x
Ah, before you know it you’ll be addicted and will have to have different sticks for different outfits. Plus, you’ll be able to use it to knock things off the top shelf in shops.
In facts I think your next blog post should be 101 uses for a stick!
Hi Dilly Tante!
Brilliant idea! I quite like the idea of cultivating an entire new wardrobe, based around a chic range of sticks in all colours and patterns. Plus I could prod annoying people! x