Dwellers In The Discomfort Zone

As an artist-cum-therapist, the point where the two hemispheres of my brain switched from left to right remains unknown to me. It was a transition that occurred unexpectedly. I even wonder if there ever was a switch at all. However, I can probably tell you the story of my life and how, today, I am quite satisfied with how my life turned out. Outsiders would probably wonder what's so special about my life. Honestly, I can't really put into words what I feel right now. It's a visual artist's handicap, if you will. What I can say is that the series of successes I can talk about would be coming out of the many failures I have had. I may not have invented the light bulb after 10,000 attempts, but I've seen a bulb light up after many psychological and emotional blackouts.

There are those who dwell in unpleasant experiences probably because the uncertainty of what's outside the box is more terrifying. What these dwellers do not realize is that they are also admitting to themselves that things could be worse! This realization helped me understand why having an artist's thought process is so effective in the helping professions. Therapists, like artists, find creative ways of communicating simply because we think unconventionally when an otherwise hopeless situation arises. It's our job to recreate, reframe, and reform. Perhaps, this is the proverbial angst that we artists- and some therapists- are reputed to have. Personally, I believe it's this angst, discomfort, crisis- call it what you will- that has provided the fuel for change in my life. Positive change.

There is nothing special about me. People seem to think that being creative or resilient is something a chosen few are born with. Personally, I believe it's a matter of admitting when the comfort zone is beginning to feel a little uncomfortable. When anxiety and anger begin to take over, take that as a signal that it's time for change. Resist the urge to get caught in a feedback loop of negativity. Talk to people who enlighten rather than enable. There's a fine, fragile line between validation and enabling. Give a defined time limit to catharsis then give yourself a chance to take in new information. It's like breathing. Breathing keeps us alive and being alive means that there is always a chance to change.

I Pray

I pray.

I pray because there is a power higher than me.

Whether or not God exists is not important to me.

I believe that there is a Spirit that lingers around us,

God-given or not.

I pray because I feel the presence that holds me

And it helps me live purposefully.

It doesn’t matter whether you are with the one you love,

Or loving the one you’re with.

It’s the One that loves you that matters

When you pray.

Two Chairs For Yourself

Do you have a place inside you

Where you can sit face to face with yourself?

What would you say?

What would she say back to you?

Can you sit with her in silence

And be comfortable

Satisfied

Peaceful?

Can you look at each other face to face

In the eye

And know each other without speaking?