Stress Carrier and Cool Shower Shrink Raps

Is the Stress Carrier a Modern Day Vampire?

Do you allow an invader to become a “stress carrier”?

One who never gets ulcers; only gives them to others.
So how to disarm that blame-throwing charm:
When s/he is sad, it’s, “You made me feel bad!”
A coiled tongue and blood lips launch many guilt trips.
There’s but one loser to a mental “acc-you-ser” –
Not seeing their view, “You haven’t a clue.”
For life’s “black or white,” and God knows they are right!

Some play a trick song; they string you along

Acting so shyly, then “Oh, really” so slyly.
Now in ten seconds flat, “You cannot believe that.”
Before dropping the gong:  “I think…you are so wrong!”
Some are more subtle, allowing rebuttal.
Eyes gazing calmly, smiling so warmly
Of course, paying no mind, they’ll pay you in kind:
With a low-key attack: a text in your back.

So the name of the game is shifting the blame
For like a vampire, who won’t let you expire…
He keeps you alive, so that ego can thrive
Injecting his shame while choking your flame.
For him it’s full moon, for you the cocoon.

Please, don’t give up hope; there’s breakaway rope.
The very first choice:  trust in your voice...then
To outsmart this trap:  grab the next Rap!
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A Cool Shower for Icing a Blame-Thrower

“It’s all your fault”; “You drive me crazy!”

Sounds like an assault from a mind that is lazy.
Do not be shy, here’s one good reply –
Looking eye to eye…with tone a tad dry:
“Time after time, I know you have said it…
Alas, you still give me way too much credit.”

Do you have the guile for an adversarial trial?
Challenged by a Mr. Bluster, one high and mighty officer –
That hyper-competitive type; running (his mouth) on aggressive hype
Throws down the gauntlet; puts “the Doc” to the test
With scorn in his voice and that puffed up chest:
“What do you call it if you don’t have any stress!?”

Now a pregnant silence looms; tension crackling through the room.
“What do you call it?”…Gulp, I wanted to split
For a moment he had me, I must admit
But then…like a Phoenix rising – an inner wit:
Did I but intuit or was I now “into it?”
Who truly knows where the spirit-wind blows…
But a pointed punch-line suddenly hit:
 “There’s but one word, sir, which would surely fit.”
Though no longer able to hold back a smile
Yet still being humble:  “That would be…Denial!”

The moral of the story – it’s not for the glory.

In the final hour, speak truth to power
So your soul won’t sour; so others can see the light
May choose to do right; perhaps even flower.
Still, don’t lose sight…you’ll likely be sent to the showers.
But you’ll be clean and will soar again!

© Mark Gorkin 2013

Shrink Rap ™ Productions

 

Mark Gorkin, MSW, LICSW, "The Stress Doc" ™, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is an acclaimed keynote and webinar speaker and "Motivational Humorist & Team Communication Catalyst" known for his interactive, inspiring and FUN programs for both government agencies and major corporations.  A training and Critical Incident/Grief Intervention Consultant for the National EAP/Wellness Company, Business Health Services in Baltimore, MD, the Doc is also leading “Stress, Team Building and Humor” programs for various branches of the Armed Services.  Mark is the author of Practice Safe Stress and of The Four Faces of Anger.  See his award-winning, USA Today Online "HotSite" -- www.stressdoc.com -- called a "workplace resource" by National Public Radio (NPR).  For more info on the Doc's programs or to receive his free e-newsletter, email stressdoc@aol.com.