THERAPY MOMENTS

I was at my therapist's office yesterday (yes, even therapists have therapists!:) and I told him it is not comfortable for me to market myself -- for example, how I am forced to market this book. I will do it and even do it somewhat well, but I was raised by two parents who thought it was a terrible thing to brag on yourself, so I struggle with it. I'm glad I was taught that, since I never want to be that person who can't carry on a conversation with without giving a personal "I'm so great" commercial. He pointed out that it's a part of good business practices to advertise what you do, especially when it is done well. I responded with something that sounded like I got it. I no sooner got the affirming words out of my mouth when he (my therapist) said, "You know you are a very gifted writer, don't you?" Without even realizing what he was doing (shocker, since I should know what he is doing), I made some self-degrading comment like, "Oh, well, I try." He just smiled. Okay, point taken. We went on to talk about how writing allows me to control characters and circumstances that are not controllable in real life. Ouch. That is probably more true than I want to admit. But then again, he reminded me that writing that way is better than acting that way. So true. I think everyone needs a therapist. They (we) know how to speak truth in such a complimentary way.