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"Dear Midwest Center,
...When I asked myself why I self-medicated every day to excess, I came up with a few things that may be worth sharing with others: It was my alcohol and drugs that created the problems that let to depression, in the first place. Not living up to my father's expectations, the religion I was brought up in, and my own expectations started my abusive habits...
...For several years I struggled, frustrated with my supervisors and managers, sensitive to criticism, believing it is not right to express yourself, not knowing how to forgive myself for my past, thinking I was worthy of forgiveness, put me to where I didn't want to live...
God answered my prayers with the program. Because of the program, spiritual books, audio books, I do truly forgive everyone including myself."
Bob, OR
The World is Mine
Today, upon a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman And wished I were as beautiful.
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and a crutch. But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I have two legs; the world is mine.
I stopped to buy some candy. The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad. If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me, "I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you. "You see, he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, for give me when I whine. I have two eyes; the world is mine.
Later while walking down the street, I saw a child I knew.
He stood and watched the others play but it seemed he did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said, "Why don't you join them dear?"
He looked ahead without a word. I forgot, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I have two ears; the world is mine.
With feet to take me where I'd go...
With eyes to see the sunset's glow...
With ears to hear what I'd know...
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have been blessed. Indeed the world is mine.
Just a simple reminder that we have so much to be thankful for, I found it on the web and do not know the author. The poem does not take away the pain of anxiety disorders and depression, but it does encourage us to focus on what we do have. I have legs to take me to therapy, I have eyes to read healing books, and I have ears to hear sincere encouragement. I have a lot.
Gratefully yours,
Carolyn
