EndNotes

Just Talking

Just talking is such good therapy
It simply happens by itself
When groups come together

It’s news, information, surprises,
jokes, sad stories, insights into the world
and lots of other things

I can experiment with my own ideas,
Put them out there to be tossed about
And be entrusted with others” thoughts
When they, in turn, are shared

Even doubts, fears, and uncertainties
Are taken seriously,
And I can help others with theirs
When they reciprocate

You don't need big or clever words
And no one minds the informality
Just talking is such good therapy

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–Every time people talk together
in a social and mutually gratifying way,
the world becomes a better place.”

“DANIEL MENAKER

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Voices of Youth

Some youngsters tell us why they think it is important to talk ...

KEMBA: The most important thing when something is on your mind or eating at you is to talk with somebody. Talk to someone who’s a mentor, someone older and more experienced, so they can give you good advice.

ORONDE: It's just unhealthy to keep all those feelings inside of you, male or female.

KEMBA: If you play a sport, talk to your coach if you feel comfortable. Or talk to someone in your church, a leader of a youth group, or a parent. They may be the most experienced people.

KATTI: I know that I have good friends now because they let me be upset when I'm upset. They let me cry if I need to cry. They let me get out whatever I have inside.

KEMBA: When you talk to somebody and let it out, it’s kind of a sigh of relief, and you can kind of put it into the hands of someone else. That feels really good.

JUDD: In anyone’s life there is always someone to go to. Once you find that person, you'll know that you have the largest shoulder to lean on that you could ever believe.

BOPHA: It does feel good. When I’ve talked about something that’s bothering me, I feel free. I'm not hiding anymore. I can put my head up, you know?

http://www.abouthealth.com/t_topicX.htm?topic=50

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“So when are we going to talk about not talking?”

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“Wherever communities exist conversation is the way in which people share the meaning of their endeavors. They float ideas, ask questions, define value and find commonality.”

“SHERI ROSEN

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“CHARLES M. SCHULZ

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Obituary in the London Times

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense,
who has been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were
long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
“ Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
“ Why the early bird gets the worm;
“ Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than
you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place.
Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a
classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and
a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his
condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing
the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly
children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent
to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform
parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and
criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar
in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that
a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly
awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his
wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived only by his 4 stepbrothers:
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
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