Intensity Defined: Engaged In a Suicidal Drama 12/19/11

“I find that the more willing I am to be grateful for the small things in life, the bigger stuff just seems to show up from unexpected

sources, and I am constantly looking forward to each day with all the surprises that keep coming my way!” 

Louise L. Hay

         In yesterday's post, too tired, I was. I went to bed shortly after getting home from work. Emotionally drained, I was exhausted and unable to share the following story. I'm feeling better now, so here it is. (By the way, this morning I elaborated on Sunday's gratitudes. You might want to check them out.)

****************************

        Last night, I had a successful but dramatic session with a client. I welcome challenges provided by my job, but some exhaust me more than others. Yesterday, that happened. However, I'm thankful for occasions when I make my life count.
        Upon entering my office, the client calmly told me he was thisclose to being suicidal.  Working in a psychiatric hospital for nine years allows me to respond calmly, to stay present. Avoiding emotional reactions to the what ifs and could be's in an emergency. 
       The client and I looked at alternatives. It helped him overcome the despairing and startling outlook that he had.
        Our time was effective, thank God.  I'll still have him check in with me, this week. He was advised to call 911 and ask for help if he feels this way again and can't find support.
        Today, looking back at this session,  I'm mindful of the following words. I first quoted them in the post: "Hope for Dark Times."

In the face of seemingly impossible problems, it's easy to believe that our most negative thoughts reflect the truth. They plead the worst case scenario in a very convincing way, until it almost seems frivolous to consider a positive outcome. Yet the loudest voice is not necessarily the truest. 

No matter how insistent a feeling may be, it is just a feeling, not a prophecy. We don't get to know today what will happen tomorrow.  Counting on any particular outcome can lead to disappointment, but sometimes it helps to remember that a positive outcome is just a likely as a negative one. 

We are powerless over the results of our actions.  We can  try to make wise choices today, but what will happen in  the future is out of our hands.  Since we can't know what to expect, why not trust that God can use whatever happens to further our growth. Today, I will place the future in God's hands.  I trust that by turning it over, it can be used for my good. 

                  Courage to Change, p260

*********************************************

'This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.'
                                                       Ralph Waldo Emerson

       I hope these quotes lifts the spirits of those burdened with troubles and anxieties.  May the thoughts expressed here allow you to have an Attitude of Gratitude.  Let me know what you think.