September 2009

My recent lessons came from reading August’s O: The Oprah Magazine. An article by Martha Beck entitled “Hooked on Praise? How to quit craving that constant approval.” Beck says “being praised launched her briefly into manic giddiness, and then dropped her into thoughts of depression that made King Lear look like Howdy Doody.” What a show stopper. My brain froze. The analogy hit me cold; the statement gave me a brain freeze.

Wow, she’s talking about me. I’ve been depressed for months after accomplishing my career goal. The process for chaplaincy is saturated in evaluations by peers, clinical pastoral education supervisors, and Church officials. Praise comes frequently. Completing the education, then, landing a full-time job in the competitive field of chaplaincy is a confirmation of being accepted. I had arrived, so-to-speak.

Once the program was over there was no more praise, just work. Getting affirmed turned me into an affirmation praise seeker. I am a junky for it, and there’s no more praise coming my way. I need a fix. What a depressive state. I am what Beck describes as ‘one who got “hooked by being educated in a competitive system.” Woe-with-me, I’ve GOT to turn this thing around. After reading the article I decided to follow the recommended steps. Thank God for this life lesson.

What about you? Have you recently learned a new life lesson? This month we’re looking at various life lessons: warnings from parents, to racial bias, and honoring the live of Senator Teddy Kennedy and legacy of lessons he left for the country to follow.

Enjoy!

Chap