This is not a story for children, it was written by a teenage girl and is sutitable for teenagers.
To read part 1 click here
To read part 2 click here
To read part 3 click here
To read part 4 click here
At Flatty’s place
Pepi is with Flatty, they are watching TV. This is Millionairs contest. One pig is very clever, she knows everything.
– I wish I was as clever as her, says Pepi.
– You are clever.
– Do you really think so?
– Of course.
Pepi remembers the homework from Sylvencia and decides to take the opportunity.
– Do you think I have any other strong points?
– Yeah.
– For example?
– You are very pretty.
– I am not. What is pretty in me?
– Your ears, your hoves, your arms, your nose.
– My nose?!
– Of course Darling.
And Flatty kisses Pepi’s nose.
– He is weird, he likes my nose, thinks Pepi.
She doesn’t want to argue about it, so she says:
– And what about my personality?
– You are nice and enthusiastic.
– You are sympathetic and helpfull.
– Am I? Why do you think so?
– When I have problems at work, you listen to me and comfort me.
– Uhmmm, but you do the same!
– That is why we are together, says Flatty and laughs.
After two days Pepi is preparing for a party and thinks how it will be. She will not know anyone there. She feels nervous and tiered of everything and wants to give up. But she remembers about Sylvencia’s advice.
At the party
Pepi is sitting on a chair and looking at a group of pigs. After a long time she decides to approach them and asks:
– Can I join you?
– Erm, no, says a big pig. It is a private group, sorry.
Pepi is devastated. She comes back to the chair and feels weak.
Suddenly a nice girl-pig comes and asks if everything is all right. Pepi starts to talk to her and feels better.
Later that pig introduces her to her friends and they are having fun together to the end of the party.
At the therapy
Pepi has told Sylvencia about her research concerning her strong points.
The therapist asks:
– So how did that relate to your thoughts about yourself?
– I was surprised.
– And how did you feel?
– Quite nice.
– What do you think about yourself now?
– Flatty loves me, so it is not that bad, laughs Pepi.
Sylvencia smiles. What about other pigs? Did you ask them to tell you your strong points?
– Yes, I asked my sister Cygnet. And what did she say? She was jealous when her parents adopted me, but then she realized I was a great companion and she was happy she had such sister. She said I was helpful and merry.
– How did you feel?
– Surprised again. I never thought I was merry.
– Did you make any conclusions from this homework?
– I understood that for different pigs different things are important and they notice different things.
– Great! says Sylvencia. This is how this world works.
– There is one more thing I want to tell you, says Pepi.
– What is it? asks Sylvencia.
Pepi tells the therapist about the party.
– Nice ending, smiles Sylvencia. What would have happened if that girl hadn’t approached? she asks.
– I would have gone home.
– And?
– And probably regreted it. But what is the point of analyzing it like that? This girl approached.
– Great remark! There is no point, I am glad you noticed it. I asked that question on purpose to check if you understood that cognitive distortion.
– Really? You tested me like that?
– Somehow. If you hadn’t understood, I would have shown you the mechanism. I need to be sure if everything is clear for you. Pigs tend to waste a lot of energy on analyzing the past instead of just accepting everything that happens and making conclusions. And they also predict the future, which you already know, makes no sense.
– I see, says Pepi. Then she adds: I have to look for a job and I am going to have an interview.
– Great! What job position is it?
– A gardener helper. Hellen, Gruntland’s gardener is looking for an employee.
– You like plants, don’t you?
– Yes, I do, Pepi smiles.
– So it is a good job for you. Are you stressed?
– Of course I am.
– Are you predicting the future what bad can happen?
– Erm, maybe… Yes, I do!
– So in our next meeting we will talk about it. I keep my fingers crossed for you. We have to finish now. See you next week Pepi.
– See you!
This story was written togehter with my teenage student Natalia. Thank you very much Natalia!
The therapy was consulted with my friend Monika, who is a therapist. Thank you Monika!