TINY IMPERFECT FICTION 23

Helpers Anonymous: 5/5/23, 7am meeting

“Hi, I’m Mark, and I’m an expert. I need an expert.”

“Hiiiii Mark,” the circled replied in unison.

Phyllis was next to Mark, “I’m Phyllis, I’m a healer, and I need help healing myself.”

“Hiiiii Phyllis,” the circled droned warmly.

Bob was next, “I’m Bob. I’m a mindfulness teacher, and I need help getting out of my head.”

“Hiiiii Bob,” the group was now gelling nicely, a welcoming choir.

“I’m Catherine, and I’m therapist… I need someone to talk to.”

“Hiiiii Catherine,” the council of helpers went around and greeted all 18 members, then Frederick, a Jungian analyst, Internal Family Systems practitioner, massage therapist, and organizer of Helpers Anonymous, read to the group:

“Getting help doesn’t mean I’m weak, or less-than, or faking it. Needing help means I need to reach out and have an objective conversation or intervention into my experience, from someone who is not experiencing my same reality. Asking for help means engaging in teamwork, support, collaboration, and maybe just having another pair of eyes, ears, and brain put their attention on my experience. Getting help means I want to be aware of something I’m not seeing. Needing help means you’re a human being, living in this world, right now, with other human beings. Helpers are better helpers when they ask for help themselves.”

The group nodded in recognition of the truth they’d gathered to hear again and affirm. Bob continued, “Before we share, Stan brought some donut holes to celebrate birthdays: Sheila has 30 days of not isolating, and Ron has one year of phoning a friend each week.”

The group smiled and clapped for Sheila, Ron, and itself.