Abandoning the herd...

So I watched Revolutionary Road for the second time today, and loved it even more. I am fully convinced now that Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes are geniuses. Though everyone else in the movie is equally as amazing. There are a couple of different parts where it is surmised that Winslet's character is in need of psychological assistance. She is unhappy with her life, and when she speaks of her overwhelming feelings in an overwhelming way, her husband tells her she is crazy. Having experienced that in former relationships myself, it was nice to be able to see things from an outsider's perspective. It is clear, to me at least, that her character is little more than stuck like a rat and frustrated at her numerous failed attempts to break free. She's not being heard, and so acts out in anger in an attempt to receive the response she is looking for. Any response. So, I thought: she doesn't need therapy, all she needs is a life coach to help her figure out how to follow her path. And, how many of us read the self help books, watch Dr. Phil, fork out hundreds of dollars for therapy, with no result? I know I have (all except the Dr. Phil part, gag me).

Of course, there are legit psychological disorders out there, but the overuse of therapy now seems to me to be as wasteful as the overdiagnosing of ADHD. Again, if you are "certain" that you have a disorder with a name and a definition in the DSM, then you have your set steps to follow- your power. It's cut and dried. Very tempting. But, therapy is not cut and dried. And when I had no luck with mine, I blamed my therapist, I blamed myself. It got me no where. But then I was introduced to a new "therapist"- myself. I learned how to listen to myself- to listen to what I want out of life- and I am starting to learn how to follow. And, poof, no more issues.

It makes me wonder how many people are stuck in this rut, just like the character, who actually believe that something is wrong with them, that they are crazy. It makes me sad. No one tells us after age 10 to be whatever we want to be anymore. It's like we don't even know how to do it. More than that, we don't even know it's an option. We follow the path of our fathers and neighbors and friends without even stopping to think if it fits. I took several therapy courses as part of my degree program in college, and have always said that I believe everyone could benefit from therapy. But now, now my view is shifting since seeing that movie. I think more than anything maybe we just need to make it a point to live a life as unique as we are and throw out the idea of the herd.



This is a mushroom I shot on our walk tonight. It was a beautiful night. The steam in the air had lifted and for the first time in a long time it actually felt cool outside. I hope it continues....

Unfortunately, I will be taking another hiatus tomorrow night from my blogging in an attempt to witness the takeoff of the Shuttle STS-128. Hopefully I will get some good shots, if we make it in time (I have to work late). But never fear, for I will be back on Tuesday night with more of my random, if not pointless, insights.