March Therapy Session

Dear Hearts,

March seems to be having an existential crisis -- can't make up Its mind.

Therefore, It is in therapy, hoping for some resolution. Since many can relate, I decided to share . . .

Therapist (T) [to March]: "So, March, I see here that your personal pronoun preference is the word 'It' ?"

March (M) [sulking, It nods]

T: "Tell me, March; what brings you here today?" M [head lowered, no eye contact]: "I'm depressed. No one likes me."

T: "No one? No one at all?"

M: "No one."

T: "For the moment, let's just pretend what you say is true. Can you tell me why you think so?"

M: "Because it is. Look -- January and February, clearly, are Winter months with big Winter personalities. Not everyone likes them but they're accepted for who they are because they're predictable if not pleasant. Plus, they throw in some pretty snow now and then. Everyone gets their collection of books to read, or movies to watch, a glowing fireplace, and hot chocolate; they find cozy ways to wait it out. They even welcome it because they're exhausted after the holidays -- which, by the way, December gets all the good ones [muttering 'holiday hog' under Its breath]."

T;"You provide those things -- "

M: [interrupting, frustrated] " -- Sometimes." [continues] " . . . and then April follows with beautiful flowers, then May with her show-off weather. I'm like the middle-kid-step-cousin."

T: [removing eyeglasses, smiling at March]: "Let's address one issue at a time, shall we?" M: [breath work in an effort to calm itself]: "OK. We'll start with name calling. I've been called the 'bi-polar month' because of unpredictable weather patterns. I can't help it that I have to deal with Winter's leftovers while getting ready for Spring at the same time. Gardeners are mad, early Spring breakers are mad -- just to name a couple." [Mocking]: "They're all, "Oh, It can't make up its mind. We can't plan anything outdoors. Schizophrenic. And my least favorite: 'March Madness'."

T [handing March a glass of water]: "March, in our session last year, we talked about re-framing. Do you remember?" M: {sullen]: "Barely I mean, it's been twelve months."

T: "I'd like you to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and go somewhere pleasant in your mind."

March sighs, then closes Its eyes.

T: "Now . . . where did you go? Describe it to me, please." M: "I'm in a field. In Ireland. There's a rainbow. And leprechauns." T: "St Patrick's Day?" M: [smiling]: "Yes. People are happy. Singing, dancing, spending time with friends, telling stories. There's lively music and everyone is wearing green -- my favorite color."

T: "I'm glad to hear it What else?" M: "Oh! It's also International Women's Month! How fun. I love women.." T: "This is good. See? There are people who like you! Now . . . keeping your eyes closed, I am going to say two words. But instead of triggering you, they will bring a smile to your face. Are you ready?"

M: [still smiling, eyes closed]: "Ready!"

T: "Remember, we're re-framing, so dig deep. Here are the two words: 'March. Madness."

M: [at first, March frowns. A tear rolls down Its cheek. Slowly, Its frown turns upside down. It claps Its hands]. "BASKETBALL!!"

T: "Exactly! And know what? No other month has a major sporting event named after them!"

M: [smiling broadly]: "That's true! Take THAT, April!" T: "OK, let's not displace anger. I'm sure April has her challenges."

M: "Oh, alright." T: "There's one more big Gift you offer the world . . . " M: [Gasp!]: "Spring!"

T: "Exactly! It is from all of your efforts that you take Winter, enter your month like a lion, and come out like a lamb. It is YOU, March, who brings Spring -- not April or May. You. You close out one entire season and bring the beginning of another one -- very important contribution. Don't think you go unnoticed by Mother Nature." M: "Thanks, Doc! I feel better. I promise I'll go easy on the tornadoes."

T: "See that you do. Good work today, March."

Have a great month, Dear Hearts!

-Happy Heart Writer