Radically Happy

When we are in pain, we shrink.
We pull away from other people
Or our connections become
One-way tunnels
Focused on our needs
Or a misguided attempt to control them.

We say we are trying to help them
But really we…
I…
I am mirroring
Their pain and anxiety
And it is easier
To try to fix them
Than deal with those feelings
Within myself

It helps me feel agency
And if they don’t take my advice
Then it is THEIR fault
Not mine.

So I feel better.
Which is really
All I wanted
All along.