Almost Lost Read Online Free Page A

children in Africa, the people existing in war-torn Bosnia, the Haitians in their leaky boats, the differing kinds of horrendous abuses in our own country—all seemed unimportant, as well as the problems of other moms with wayward, somewhat rebellious sons and daughters. They barely existed until now—only me…selfish, wanting everything my way, self-centered me.”
    I laughed. “I hate to break up your ‘pretty, potent, petty, pity party’ as one kid called hers after she got her life back on track, but remember that negative thinking or talking or doing to or about yourself or anyone else is a form of permanently maiming abuse .”
    â€œOops, I forgot.”
    â€œThat’s okay. We all get a little maudlin once in a while, so forget it. Just think about the assignment you’re going to give yourself to get your life in order so that you can more effectively help Sammy do the same for his, when he gets to the place where he wants and will accept your help.”
    â€œWell, first I’ve got to keep reminding myself that I am not alone! I am not the only one in the world trying to solve major as well as minor problems.”
    â€œAnd…”
    â€œI’ve got to rely more on my control of myself.”
    â€œHow?”
    â€œThrough relaxation and positive thinking and not spending so much time dwelling on the worst possible outcome for every occasion, particularly as it applies to Sammy .”
    â€œAnother thing you might want to consider adding to your new pile of tricks, Paula, is the concept of learning to be as nice to YOURSELF as you would like to have others be to you . Have you heard the saying from the Bible, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œDon’t you think that also means, ‘DO UNTO YOURSELF AS YOU WOULD HAVE OTHERS DO UNTO YOU’?”
    Paula thought for a while. “It probably does, but I…”
    â€œYou what?”
    â€œI don’t know…”
    â€œYou mean you don’t know where to start?”
    â€œI guess.”
    â€œWant me to help you?”
    â€œIt sounds really simple, and I sense it would work but I…yes, please, please help me. I’m trying hard not to, but I feel sooooo inadequate.”
    â€œHave you ever put yourself first? ”
    â€œPut myself first? I hope not! Not since I had kids, anyway. They are my life, my main reason for living. I’m certainly not going to allow them to go through what I went through all my growing-up years.”
    â€œHave you ever considered what might happen to them if you allow yourself , through neglect of your mental and physical health, to become impaired or incapacitated? You’ve mentioned that your concentration and interest in things have diminished, andthat each day you are feeling more tired and unenthusiastic.”
    â€œThat thought is frightening. I won’t let anything happen to me. I can’t!”
    â€œWould you like to listen to an explanation of our SOMETIMES ME FIRST PROGRAM? You’ll be surprised to find out that it’s anything but a selfish, ‘I want mine first-bigger-better-more costly and luxurious than anyone else’s type program. It’s really a humble, ‘I must take good care of myself mentally and physically and spiritually to help other people make the most of themselves in those areas’ program. A Mental Health Sometimes Me First concept is the exact opposite of a selfish, self-centered one. You’ll like it.”
    â€œI like everything you’ve taught me, and it makes sense that first I have to learn how to swim before I can keep my kids and the other people I love afloat. But you’ve presented so many get-me-out-of-my-black-hole, exciting things in this first session, I’m not sure I can remember them all.”
    â€œThat’s the reason we’re making a tape. You can take it home and listen as many times