My therapist taught me about
“the stress bucket”;
a concept where stress is water
slowly (or quickly) filling up the bucket.

Coping strategies are holes in the sides,
a way to safely release the water
and avoid the bucket overflowing.

My therapist did not teach me about
the roaring fire under the bucket
causing the water to boil uncontrollably,
making the bucket too hot to touch
so I cannot pierce any holes.

My therapist did not teach me about
the dead bugs
floating on the surface.

My therapist did not teach me about
stagnation.

– for Amy, my favourite therapist to date