Today at work, I had a truly meaningful day. It all began with a silver-haired gentleman who shared an unforgettable story of a night out on the town with a date who had more red flags than a Moroccan football stadium.
He turned to me with a heavy sigh and in earnest said, “Write me a list of all the things that are wrong with me,” his head hanging close to his knees.
In response, I said, “You told me you’re facing a worst-case scenario, that you stand to lose half in the divorce, and will likely lose your house. In a market that is less than ideal. You’ll also be tied up in court, losing money, and still entangled with your ex. It sounds like you needed a night to forget it all.”
Suddenly, he shifted to an upright stance, and our eyes met. He said, “You do get it. That is very meaningful what you said.”
In another session, a client opened up about his emotional journey, saying, “I didn’t understand emotion. I used to say to girlfriends, ‘Why are you crying?’”
His life took a dramatic turn after a family member returned from war. In response, he became an angry person who eventually turned numb. It reminded me of a dysfunctional relationship I once had with an ex-boyfriend. I’d cry out in despair, and he’d respond with the same cold indifference.
Back then, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was a psychopath. It was puzzling how someone could become so detached from another person’s emotions, especially when, at the beginning of the relationship, he was nothing like that.
In the end, it was a day filled with valuable lessons, guidance, and working through emotions. I’ll leave it at that for today.
Take care and sending love,
Jaclynn
Going On 40 