[Butterflies Are Free]

Well, it's been a bit of a rough week - I have had some withdrawal symtoms from coming off of an anti-depressant and thought that I would try to look at the positive side of therapy. I wrote this poem(it is rather long) to my T; it is based on a book/poem entitled, "All I Ever Really Needed To Know I Learned In Kindergarten" by Robert Fulgrum. Dedicated to my wonderful T for knowing, as Robert Fulgrum did, that no matter how old we are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in therapy. Wisdom was not magically learned overnight and continues to be an ongoing process. These are the things that I learned: Celebrate the small moments and accomplishments, for they are the stuff that life is made of. Laugh often and cry well. Reach out for support when the world seems a bit heavy. It takes a big person to admit to a mistake; say you're sorry when you mean it. Try not to leave long-winded messages on your therapist's answering machine; she is not going anywhere. Always "show up" - that counts for a lot. Dance with your heart and move with your soul. Never be afraid to look into someone else's eyes: what you see there might surprise you. Remember that sometimes, when your therapist wipes away a tear, that caring gesture can mean more than a thousand words ever could. Share your crayons and markers and remember to put the tops back on. Drink a cup of nice, warm tea on a bleak, cold day. Remember to say thank you and be generous with your words. It's always good to know that your therapist is not your mother. She is not your father. Be nice and play fair. Don't hog; your therapist sees other people as well as her own friends and family. Sing when you are happy. Be authentic, proud and present. Your therapist is on your side, she is not the enemy. She wants to help take care of you. Don't throw temper tantrums. If you are upset, say so. If you are afraid, let your feelings be known. There is nothing that cannot be talked about. Hug when you are sad. Beat the drum when you need to, you will feel better. Share your stories and poems. Let your therapist know you appreciate her time and love. Therapists are people, too. Talk things out, it will always be okay. Take a walk around the block on a sunny day. Hold hands, touch feet. Smile as often as you are able to because therapy can be hard work. Therapy life can be a glass half-full so enjoy your accomplishments. Connect during each session in some small way. When you go to the bathroom, always claim the downstairs one; it's not as far. Remember to flush. Take time to pet the cat and check the pillows to make sure they are dry. Learn how to take redirection and advice; both can come in handy. Be honest and don't be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve. Your therapist will always hold your heart tenderly(at least, mine does). When depression hits, yell, "Help!". Show your butterfly drawings to your therapist. Play with puppets and dolls to help access your inner child. Go slow. Therapy is not a race. When you cry, hang on to your therapist for dear life; you will feel much better afterwards. Have a good sense of humor. Forgive and accept forgiveness; it makes the world a much better place. Don't give up, not on yourself, not on the therapy process, not on your therapist. You can work through anything together. Hold hands again if you need to. Pay on time. Your therapist cares about you but she also needs to make a living. Respect boundaries and if you step over one, say you're sorry. Eat chocolate. When you move, allow your true feelings to emerge. Remember that the walls can support your weight and emotions. So can your therapist. Tell childhood stories. Write cards. Sit in silence when needed and know that just being is "enough". Greet your therapist with a smile and tell her you are happy to see her, if you are. Remember that when your therapist goes on vacation, she doesn't forget you. Everyone needs a break. Don't forget to connect palm to palm and even finger to finger; separate yet connected. Try not to get too "global" - your therapist isn't seeing the world, she is seeing you. Be aware that your therapist often knows how you are feeling before you ever say a thing; don't try to hide from her because she will find you - eventually. Take a cup of water. If the cat wants your water, share. You like the cat and she likes you. Bring the cat little gifts every once in a while; this will fulfill your "cat longing" and it might be nice for her. Don't ever leave without saying goodbye. If you are not feeling well, drive home in the slow lane and call to tell your therapist that you made it home okay. Always return phone calls. Share your secrets, even the ones that make you feel ashamed. Your therapist is not ashamed of you and you don't need to be either. Sit side by side sometimes. Remember that therapy is not a construction site; you don't need walls. Write down your dreams and bring them in. Ask for a phone session if you need one. Be flexible. Trust. Dare to dream your dreams. Try not to shut down. Communicate. Share journal entries. Be yourself. Listen to your therapist. It's okay to be entitled to your own feelings and thoughts. Wear fun socks. Have your toenails painted with pretty flowers and butterflies. Enjoy moving in silence as well as with music. Reach out and say that you care. Remember that your therapist has always been there for you and always will be; what a wonderful gift. Be grateful, thankful, and hopeful. And it is still true, that no matter how old you are, holding hands can be very comforting.
*Many things may only hold true for me, but I still wanted to share.

[rainbow8]

That is simply beautiful, Butterflies! Thank you so much for sharing it here. I'm sure your T will simply LOVE it!

[Butterflies Are Free]

Thanks so much - I sure hope so - I see her today!

[rainbow8]

I hope you have a wonderful session!!