Commentary

Sum it up Sunday 8/9/26

This week felt like one of those stretches where there’s less time to do things with all that needs to be done, yet somehow a few moments still found their way in, the kind that remind me I’m allowed to pause, breathe, and enjoy what’s right in front of me.

Art

Yesterday I went to a painting event with my niece, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. She had a blast, I had a blast, and we already made plans to go again next Saturday. We painted Keropi — and as you can see above, I think mine turned out pretty cute. I did make the eyeball a little bigger, but the rest of it came together in a way that makes me smile. It felt good to just sit there, paint, laugh, and enjoy a rare slow afternon with her.

Therapy

On the other side of my week, I’ve officially started EMDR. I’m working on replacing some deeply ingrained negative thoughts, and I’m still figuring out how I feel about the process. The nightmares — which can be a side effect — have been rough. They show up right after a session, keep me up for a few nights, then disappear until the next round. It’s like a cycle I’m learning to navigate.

But even with the hard parts, I’ve already seen some positives. Small shifts, clearer moments, tiny sparks of change. So I’m sticking with it. I’m using the tools I’ve been given, and I’m trusting the process even when it feels uncomfortable.

Poetry

Sky Therapy

The crystal-clear blue sky is tantalizing

Daring us to go out and enjoy the day away

To see the beautiful scenery around you, hypnotizing

So that your worries float away

let your mind drift and start fantasizing

about a life with no stress and worries

your mind begins to calm down, stabilizing

In a peaceful state of mind you stay,  

As dreams of joy are truly mesmerizing.

Poetry

Navigating Darkness

Had therapy today,
Started off rough but ended better.
Black cloud that was hanging over my head
Not fully gone away but is less.
Obtained skills to help through the struggle.
I learned I need to let the negative thoughts float away.

Sometimes the path is dark and unclear,
But a glimmer of hope appears near.
Therapy brings light and a guiding hand,
Easing the burden, helping me stand.
The black cloud may linger, but I’ll find my way,
Learning to let the negative thoughts float away.

Poetry

Sky Therapy

The crystal clear blue sky is tantalizing

Daring us to go out and enjoy the day away

To see the beautiful scenery around you, hypnotizing

So that your worries float away

let your mind drift and start fantasizing

about a life with no stress and worries

your mind begins to calm down, stablizing

In a peaceful state of mind you stay,  

As dreams of joy are truly mesmerizing.

Poetry

Brightening Tomorrow

Therapy for emotions, hooray

Helps to chase all the worries away

With a supportive ear

And some guidance, no fear

We can find a much brighter new day

Poetry

Waiting for Guidance

A therapist leaves, his time away,
Paternity leave call, he mustn’t stay.
Happy for him, but I feel blue,
Disappointment swells, what can I do?

July feels far, as I wait and sigh,
Wishing for guidance, asking “Why?”
He sent some names, suggested new,
But starting fresh feels strange and new.

With skills he’s shared, I’ll try to cope,
Holding on tight to the seeds of hope.
Though the path ahead may feel unclear,
I’ll carry his lessons until he’s near.

Poetry

Therapy

Therapy for emotions,

Helps to chase all the worries away

With a supportive ear

And some guidance, no fear

We can find a much brighter new day

MAD

Poetry

Navigating Darkness

Had therapy today,
Started off rough but ended better.
Black cloud that was hanging over my head
Not fully gone away but is less.
Obtained skills to help through the struggle.
I learned I need to let the negative thoughts float away.

Sometimes the path is dark and unclear,
But a glimmer of hope appears near.
Therapy brings light and a guiding hand,
Easing the burden, helping me stand.
The black cloud may linger, but I’ll find my way,
Learning to let the negative thoughts float away.

MAD

Daily Prompts

Overcoming Fears

What fears have you overcome and how?

I struggle with social interactions and the fear of being judged by others. To overcome this, I gradually exposed myself to social situations, focusing on listening and asking questions to alleviate the pressure of being the center of attention. I also worked on building my self-confidence by reminding myself of my strengths and accomplishments. Additionally, I decided to seek professional help to gain more insights and strategies for dealing with social anxiety. There are times to this day that I still struggled with this but I have learned that it is okay.

As for my fear of spiders, I gradually desensitized myself to them by learning more about them and observing them from a distance. This helped me realize that they are not as scary as they seem.

-M.A.D.

Poetry

Poem- Therapy

Therapy for emotions, hooray

Helps to chase all the worries away

With a supportive ear

And some guidance, no fear

We can find a much brighter new day