Stuff That Matters In Life

I always thought the role of Counselor Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation, was ridiculous. They need someone on the team to understand people’s feelings? I thought her function was rather useless because her insights are often obvious. Her telepathic abilities comes up with something like – I feel that the people on the planet do not like to be invaded. Duh!

But recently, I’m finding myself as a sort of Counselor Troi (sans her shapeliness, unfortunately). While dealing with various issues of my dad’s stroke and relocation, I am the sibling who gets emotional. I am the one who says things like, “We have to consider his feelings and what he wants.” While my brother and sisters are ready to take action to do what we think is best for him, I interject with, “Let’s look at it from his point of view. Is it what he would want?”

I sound like Deanna Troi.

There was a time I considered being a counselor. I took a few counseling classes, but decided it would be too emotionally draining. It is draining enough in my work as a real estate agent. I experience with my clients the anguish and excitement of buying and selling a home. I work as if I am doing it for myself. Everyone’s experiences become my own.

Maybe Counselor Troi’s role is useful after all.