1. I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost ... I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes me forever to find a way out.
2. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in the same place but, it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.
3. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I still fall in ... it's a habit. My eyes are open I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.
4. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.
5. I walk down another street.
"The best predictor of future behaviour... is past behaviour."
Unquestionably the above saying has proven axiomatic in terms of my life, and the lives of many people I have known too. Regrettably though, I feel it implies a predetermination in our lives, an unchangeable rigidity if you will, of 'what has been, always will be'.
I would like to suggest a minor alteration to this maxim: - "In the absence therapy, the best predictor of future behaviour... is past behaviour".
One of the primary aims of Psychotherapy is the eventual bestowing of insight; such that future behaviours are no longer governed unconsciously by those of our past.
An elderly gentleman arriving at the gates of Heaven is duly met by St. Peter. Upon exchanging pleasantries, St. Peter becomes somewhat distracted by the state of this man's feet.
Now really quite intrigued, St. Peter asks of him, "What can possibly have happened to your feet? They look so worn, so fatigued, not to mention dusty."
The old man, quite perplexed, replies, "I am an old and very tired man, of some 90 years; and for all these years of my life, my feet have bestowed sterling service for me, chalking up many a mile on my life's journey.".
Perceptively, St. Peter smiles, and enquires tenderly... "Did you not know you could fly...?"
After time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing after all, as wanting.
It is not logical - but it is often true.
I'd wash your clothes; I'd sew and cook, But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me, please, to share your fun, I'd say, "A little later, son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night, And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door, I wish I'd stayed a minute more.
For life is short, and years rush past, A little boy grows up so fast,
No longer is he at your side, His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away, There are no children's games to play,
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear, That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands once busy, now lie still, The days are long and hard to fill,
I wish I might go back and do, The little things you asked me to.
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
Carpe Diem, Quam Minimum Credula Postero.
(Seize the day, trusting little in the future).
The customer is always wrong.
Let us address a question that (in all probability) represents the fundamental conundrum afflicting the existentialists amongst us.
Q: How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Only one; but the light bulb really must want to change.
