So the next time we have an emotional problem, why don't we look around for someone
to talk to? I don't mean, of course, to go around making pests of ourselves by whining
and complaining to everyone in sight. Let's decide on someone we can trust, and make
an appointment. Maybe a relative, a doctor, a lawyer, a minister, or priest. Then say to
that person: "I want your advice. I have a problem, and I wish you would listen while I
put it in words. You may be able to advise me. You may see angles to this thing that I
can't see myself. But even if you can't, you will help me tremendously if you will just sit
and listen while I talk it out."
However, if you honestly feel that there is no one you can talk to, then let me tell you
about the Save-a-Life League- it has no connection with the Boston Dispensary. The
Save-a-Life League is one of the most unusual leagues in the world. It was originally
formed to save possible suicides. But as the years went on, it expanded its scope to
give spiritual counsel to those who are unhappy and in emotional need. I talked for
some time to Miss Lona B. Bonnell, who interviews people who come for advice to the
Save-a-Life League. She told me that she would be glad to answer letters from readers
of this book. If you write to the Save-a-Life League, 505 Fifth Avenue, New York City,
your letter and your troubles will be held in strictest confidence. Frankly, I would advise
you to go to someone you can talk to in person if you can, for that will give you greater
relief. But if that is out of the question, then why not write to this league?
Talking things out, then, is one of the principle therapies used at the Boston Dispensary
Class. But here are some other ideas we picked up at the class-things you, as a
housewife, can do in your home.
- Keep a notebook or scrapbook 'for "inspirational" reading. Into this book you can
paste all the poems, or short prayers, or quotations, which appeal to you personally and
give you a lift. Then, when a rainy afternoon sends your spirits plunging down, perhaps
you can find a recipe in this book for dispelling the gloom. Many patients at the
Dispensary have kept such notebooks for years. They say it is a spiritual "shot in the
arm". - Don't dwell too long on the shortcomings of others! Sure, your husband has faults! If
he had been a saint, he never would have married you. Right? One woman at the class
who found herself developing into a scolding, nagging, and haggard-faced wife, was
brought up short with the question: "What would you do if your husband died?" She was
so shocked by the idea that she immediately sat down and drew up a list of all her
husband's good points. She made quite a list. Why don't you try the same thing the next
time you feel you married a tight-fisted tyrant? Maybe you'll find, after reading his
virtues, that he's a man you'd like to meet! - Get interested in your neighbours! Develop a friendly, healthy interest in the people
who share the life on your street. One ailing woman who felt herself so "exclusive" that
she hadn't any friends, was told to try to make up a story about the next person she met.
She began, in the street-car, to weave backgrounds and settings for the people she
saw. She tried to imagine what their lives had been like. First thing you know, she was
talking to people everywhere-and today she is happy, alert, and a charming human
being cured of her "pains". - Make up a schedule for tomorrow's work before you go to bed tonight. The class
found that many wives feel driven and harassed by the unending round of housework
and things they must do. They never got their work finished. They were chased by the
clock. To cure this sense of hurry, and worry, the suggestion was made that they draw
up a schedule each night for the following day. What happened? More work
accomplished; much less fatigue; a feeling of pride and achievement; and time left over