Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue

Therapy Thursday: Carry a Blankie

posted by Beyond Blue
pocket therapist front cover small.jpg

I have decided to dedicate a post on Thursday to therapy, and offer you the many tips I have learned on the couch. They will be a good reminder for me, as well, of something small I can concentrate on. Many of them are published in my book, “The Pocket Therapist: An Emotional Survival Kit.

Everyone needs a blankie.

Okay, not everyone.

Mentally ill recovering addicts like myself need a blankie, a security object to hold when they get scared or turned around. I need reminders—ideally 234 of them—to refresh me on goals, promises, and prayers I pledged or recited in the morning with my coffee. And because tattoos are expensive and well, permanent, I go with jewelry, medals, and beads I can hang on to.

Specifically, a medal of St. Therese that I carry in my purse or in pocket.

My medal gives me consolation. It reminds me that the most important things are sometimes invisible to the eye: like faith, hope, and love. So when I doubt all goodness in the world–and accuse God of a bad creation job—all I have to do is close my eyes and squeeze the medal.



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H. Katherine

posted March 15, 2012 at 8:02 am


I am very inspired by your courage to share your stories and I draw much from reading your blog. I am pressing forward in my life to be “self-employed”, having struggled with many life changes and events, more recently,the last 4 years with chronic glaucoma. I am presently working on creations of inspirational note and greeting cards (working from home, as they say)from my collections of photos i have taken, and the notes from my writing journals. i am a mother of 4 grown daughters, 5 grandchidren. I could write a book here to share with you, but do not selfishly want to take up the space. I look forward to reading your blog each day. Thank you for sharing “yourself” with the world. You have been richly blessed



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Tammy Jaudon

posted March 16, 2012 at 3:31 am


I carry rocks and collect bookmarks that somehow nurture my spirit. When I see them I know God meant them for me. Some of my rocks are in jewelry and some in bookmarks but I know in my spirit that they were made for me somehow, this connects me with God. I read alot so I have a bookmark with most always and I carry a rock in my purse. These items are my blankie in times of ???



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Jennifer Campbell

posted March 16, 2012 at 4:02 am


I am a person who needs a security blanket and it used to be my husband until I did something very stupid and hurtful and told him I wanted a divorce. It is never what I wanted but throughout my life when things got hard my first instinct was to run away. I’ve asked for him to forgive me, I’ve given him the 100% truth. He says he wants the divorce and wants for us to work on ourselves individually as well as a couple but he won’t make any promises. He says that we never know what tomorrow brings, we may meet other people. All I want to do right now is fix what I’ve broken and have him back in my life and in my arms. I want to be in his arms. So where do I go now? Where will I find solice? I’ve never been a spiritual woman but lately I’ve begged God to carry me through this because I don’t have the strength, and of course I’ve asked for him to lead us back to each other.



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Biretta

posted March 16, 2012 at 9:10 am


“IN HOC SIGNO VINCES” In this Sign You Shall Conquer, eg Win. This is the Seal of the Jesuit Order. Always BELIEVE in Yourself & go Forward.



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Margaret

posted March 16, 2012 at 10:30 am


I too need constant reminders of God’s love and forgiveness.



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Steve

posted March 16, 2012 at 1:09 pm


Very sweet…Thank you. :)



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Susan

posted March 16, 2012 at 1:27 pm


I agree that people with problems like depression sometimes need things to remind us to try to look for the bright side of life. I bought a calendar with Bible scriptures on them and find each scripture for each month to be just the thing I need in the evening when my pain is the worst to lift me up. I find that praying more is also helpful as I lean on my creature for insight to the source of my blues for each and every day.



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Missy

posted March 16, 2012 at 2:44 pm


I was just wondering if your book has a kindle edition? I enjoy reading yr posts. They help me focus on what is important. Sincerely, Missy



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spareparts

posted March 17, 2012 at 12:59 am


I carry a rock, like the Venerable Matt Talbot did (although, I must confess I was drinking much earlier than my teens). Helps me stay sober.



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Susan

posted March 23, 2012 at 7:24 am


As a follow up to my last post. I meant my creator not creature as someone I lean on for comfort during those times when I am depressed. Thanks for reading. Also, my writing does suffer when I am having problems. So, bear with me guys.



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john

posted March 25, 2012 at 9:49 pm


I often wondered why a good protestant like myself would need a visual reminder of God’s care and comfort, but at 60+yrs it makes beautiful sense.



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