Bert’s therapy/Session 35: Balls

How are you today?

Overwhelmed.

By what?

The usual. Work. Bills.

The marriage. The kids.

The house. Plus a hundred

other things.

The leak under my sink.

The hole in my roof.

The racoon in my attic.

My car needs a tuneup.

My lawn needs reseeding.

My dog needs shots.

I’m fat and should exercise.

I’m anxious and should meditate.

I eat crap and should eat vegetables.

And on and on and on…

You do seem to be juggling

a lot right now.

How have you handled

this in the past?

I try to keep all the balls in the air.

Does that work?

Never. I exhaust myself.

The balls drop. I feel guilty.

I get depressed.

I see. Want a suggestion?

Please.

Drop the balls on purpose.

Deliberately?

Yes. For today. Drop all but two.

Which two?

First, get some rest.

Second, find someone to lean on.

Lean on? Who?

Anyone who will give you

permission to be selfish.

Isn’t selfish bad?

No, selfish is essential.

Selfless is bad. Depression is worse.

Can I lean on you?

Please do.

Now take a nap.

(Silence.)

(More silence.)

(Slight snoring.)

(Whisper:)

Welcome to controlapy.