Stiff neck

I’ve been mulling over a do, or not do choice, since morning today. You know, the, should I or should I not, types. I would describe it like a feeling I get when I’m at the crossroads, where one path is a-well travelled and weather beaten one, while the other is tantalisingly unknown. 

Let me tell you what I would have done a few years back. In my spirited youth I would have unhesitatingly trod the unfamiliar grounds, without even slowing my stride. “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread” idiom fitted me to a T. My inherent curiosity about everything and everybody coupled with an optimistic belief in the goodness of humanity held me in good stead. 

In innumerable instances, I had walked up to people in high offices and confronted them. In case a confrontation was necessary, that is. Similarly I spoke to common and ordinary people without a prepared script, and got startlingly candid responses from them. There were no fences that could deter me, nor any closed doors that punctured my enthusiasm. I pretty much did what my gut instinct guided me to do and was always rewarded with a myriad of rich experiences. 

But that was then. Motherhood and advancing maturity has brought on a certain uncertainty in me. Making snap decisions, which was a norm earlier, became increasingly difficult now. The moment I decided on one thing, especially for my child, the other option seemed better. I had begun to weigh the pros and cons, several times over. 

And so when the pain in my neck did not recede after swallowing several painkillers and applying layers upon layers of the infamous Tiger balm, I looked around for alternative treatment. The cervical collar seemed like a good option. It not only helped to keep the neck immobilised but also held the head up high. My stiff neck was destroying my posture and this could maybe improve it. Further, it could possibly add a few more inches to my diminutive frame which I was convinced, had reduced when I hung my head to one side. 

However, with the new indecisiveness that had kicked into me lately, I could not come to any sort of conclusion. I understood that it was silly to cling to vanity in such a situation but even with other things remaining the same, the mighty collar was just so aesthetically unpleasing. There was no way to hide it or even cleverly conceal it. All I needed was a leash attached to it and I would resemble a cranky and eccentric domesticated cat. At least I did not have whiskers, and that was the only saving grace. 

Maybe I should try it on, said the voice in my head. Before I could change my mind I jumped into the car and drove myself to the nearest pharmacy. For some reason the person behind the counter spoke to me in a clipped British accent. 

“Good weather, what?” he greeted me.

“Yes, fantastic,” I nodded.

“How can I help you dear lady?” he drawled.

“I have a stiff neck,” I complained.

“Better than a stiff upper-lip,” he said with deadpan expression. 

“Will the cervical collar give me relief?” I asked.

“Yes of course,” he nodded.

“But it will look like an eyesore,” I complained.

“You can always stitch pearls into it,” he suggested.

“Or diamonds?” I bluffed.

“Every woman’s best friend,” he twinkled.

“I wish,” I sighed, buying the collar.