Life really isn’t as complicated as we make it, much of the time. The rank order of God, family, friends, work, education, and leisure would look something like my list. What about yours? Education is a great thing, but education can overkill many simple matters. Consider “The Language of Modern Psychiatry” from Show Me, Too, published by the State Hospital, St. Joseph, Missouri.

I never get mad—I get hostile. I never feel sad—I’m depressed.
If I sew or I knit and enjoy it a bit, I’m not handy—I’m merely obsessed.
 I never regret—I feel guilty. And if I should vacuum the hall,
Wash the woodwork and such and not mind it too much—am I tidy?
Compulsive is all.

If I can’t make a choice, I have conflicts. With ambivalent feelings beset
I never get worried or nervous or hurried—anxiety—that’s what I get!
If I tell you you’re right—I’m submissive. Repressing aggressiveness, too.
And when I disagree, I’m defensive, you see, and projecting my symptoms on you.
I’m not lonely, I’m simply dependent. My dog has no fleas, just a tic.
If I seem a cad, never mind—just be glad that I’m not a stinker, I’m sick.

Take some time today and just sit and think about the more important things and people in your life. Beware the paralysis and the danger of labeling. You’ll be very glad you did! —Doug Greenway, West Main church of Christ

“Examine yourselves . . .”—2 Corinthians 13:5