Mr. Joyce Takes on the World

One Year After It’s been a year since my work with Julie ended. Yet, it feels much longer than that. Much has happened since then…more so than I can detail here. You’d have to read previous blog posts from the past year to catch up. Instead of a list of misfortunes, and minor victories, I’m going to reflect on where I’m at since therapy ended. I feel that in some ways I’m better. But, there’s still a lot of work to be done. I was under the misapprehension, when I began therapy, that it was a cure all. That one would be completely perfect after the therapist finished their work on the client. Truth be told, that’s not how therapy works. The client does all the work, while the therapist acts as a guide. The client must commit to the work outside of the office. The office itself is a place where ideas are spoken, but the actions of the therapy are committed in the world outside. I have always taken the lessons I’ve learned from therapy into the world around me. Julie would b...

One Hell of Hero I was talking with a new co-worker about Dr. Who. I had mentioned to her that I visited England last year, and would return this year. She got a bit jealous, and then said, “Your parents must have left you a lot of money.” Honestly, it’s not that expensive. If you know the right websites, and book during the right time, it’s very affordable. I knew she was joking, but hearing it triggered something. I calmly said, “My mother didn’t leave me any money.” That’s not entirely true, as she had some pocket change, but that was about it. I didn’t keep that money for myself. Instead, I spent it to buy Yesterday some cat food. It still feels weird not to buy her food, though she’s been gone since February. My co-worker looked at me, and saw how serious I was. I then said, “My mother passed away last year.” “Really?” “Yes, she did. July 26 th .” “Oh, my God. I feel like a dick. It had to be on my birthday.” “It’s okay,” I said....