Ill Thoughts: Fly Away

Sometimes my illness brings on sadness
with negative thoughts that make me feel ashamed.
I do not mean to think such negative things,
which my mind does not appreciate.

However every morning when I awake.
This is when the battle begins.
Thoughts start jumping around and around.
And I can’t make them stop for heavens’ sake.

Sometimes music will drown the thoughts out.
Or, when I’m engulfed in a television program.
They make an exit for awhile..
All waiting to pounce on me another time.

But, I am strong.
I will not give up,
because God has not given up on me.
And with friends in which I find my caregivers.
I know I will win this battle against these
ugly, negative thoughts!


Jewel

Jewel.
This you are:
So precious!
Though, not hard,
Your smile is as soft as
the sun’s early morning rays.
A great welcoming!
And, has remained a good treatment,
each day as I pray.

It’s been almost a decade,
since our paths graced each other’s.
Never once, did you make it seem
that my weaknesses you abhorred.
If I could recompense you
the kindness you show:
I’d do so with rubies, better yet
diamonds or pearls.

Instead, with this small poem;
these spirited words
from my heart:
I thank you,
Dear Ann, for your
thoughtfulness and kind words
which bring calm to my world.

Please accept this jewelry box
as a token from me to you.
I’ve filled it with sweet charms
for all to enjoy.

As only you know how to do well:
Do tell--everyone,
how their kindness has made me felt.
We’ve cared so much and shared
throughout all our endeavors.

It’s been a long journey,
sometimes with stumps and pitfalls.
But, through it all I’ve learned to:

Let Go and Let God!
My Love,



by
Suzanne Small




NAMI Greater Boston Consumer Advocacy / Affiliate Network
We are a grassroots organization of people with lived experience of mental health conditions. We are an affiliate of NAMI-Mass (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts).We are dedicated to eliminating the suffering caused by mental illness, and to ending the stigma and prejudice experienced by our peers. We provide support, education, and advocacy for and by people in recovery. NAMI is known as the "Nation's Voice on Mental Illness" and we at GB-CAN believe that voice must be recovery-oriented and value the lived experiences of consumers. You can reach our office by calling: (617) 305-9975.

• Download our NAMI GB CAN Brochure [PDF]

Mail can be sent to:
NAMI GB-CAN
Solomon Carter Fuller Bldg, G09
85 E. Newton Street, Ground Floor
Boston, MA 02118