Re: 'Therapy' - Final

[Guest guest]

Now that I've got us boxed into a corner, if I may, I'd like to share what

has been for me the greatest inspiration of all. First, the setting:

1971, January, -20 temperature, sleeping on a park bench. I have a job but

it's irregular and doesn't pay enough for an apartment. I was in high school

but ran out of funds and had to ask for social assistance. They forced me to

quit school (by refusing financial help if I wasn't looking full-time for

more employment). They give me $14 a week. Someone approaches me and suggest

I try the Salvation Army shelter. I came from a middle to high income family

background and didn't even know those things existed. I go there. They give

me a small room and a sandwich for lunch everyday for $3 a week. After a

month or so, I'm ready to move on. The person in charge sees me on the way

out and hands me a card, the size of a business card. He knows I don't

" indulge " in religion but suggests that perhaps what the card says might

help me. It turns out, the small print on the back became my " lifetime "

motto. I've strayed but I've given my best shot to following it religiously

(no pun intended). This is what it said:

---quote begins---

The Man in the Glass

author unknown

When you get what you want in the struggle for self,

And the world makes you King for a Day;

Just go to the mirror and look at yourself,

And see what the man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife

Whose judgement upon you must pass;

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life,

Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people may think you a straight shooting chum,

And call you a wonderful guy;

But the man in the glass says you're only a bum,

If you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,

For he's with you clear up to the end,

And you've passed your most dangerous difficult test,

If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years

And get pats on the back as you pass,

But your final reward will be heartaches and tears,

If you've cheated the man in the glass.

---quote ends---

Some of you may know this poem. I carried it on this little card for over 25

years. As is normal, words can be interpreted a number of ways for different

people. What it says to me is to be true to myself. You can lie, bs,

whatever but never to yourself. I've applied this to family, jobs, even

treatment proposals. When I didn't feel the doctor or therapist was really

doing me any good, I'd switch. When I found myself in a job where there was

too much injustice, I'd quit. I raised my kids to look at themselves for

satisfaction rather than having to always please others. I hope someone else

can use it too.

Mike

> Re: 'Therapy' part " Deux "

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> Well, well Mike!

> I think we have a person with major political talent here.

> Doing a Clinton

> & taking 3 sides on a 2 sided issue, are you?