The Dread Pirate Roberts

"Life is pain, your highness." - The Dread Pirate Roberts, The Princess Bride

I am a big fan of The Princess Bride, both the movie AND the book by William Goldman, and for some reason, the name of the Dread Pirate Roberts popped into my head this morning. It has been a rough night - I kept waking up for unknown reasons - and this is Tuesday which usually means some rougher sessions, so I am primed for an interesting day.

So, now I am trying to figure out how to incorporate The Dread Pirate Roberts into my blog because the universe is insisting on it! 

If you haven't watched this movie, then you need to do so. That's all. GO SEE THE MOVIE!

Now, how do I explain all of this without spoiling the movie for newbies?? Hmm. Here I go...

Throughout the movie, the Dread Pirate Roberts plays a role. The character inspires fear in those who hear the very name, and this reputation for being ruthless is a big part of the story. This pirate terrorizes the countries in question and demands attention of all people. So why is this stuck in my head right now?

Often, I think I get swept up in the concept of something rather than the reality of something. The Dread Pirate Roberts has such a reputation for being a pirate and doing pirate-y things that the very sound of the name can paralyze people in fear and dread. I have my own situations in life that fill that role. Do you?

For me, the thought of being a self-employed music therapist is something that could be cast as the Dread Pirate Roberts. Stick with me, here. I have idealized those that have created businesses while believing that this is not my role, yet I am constantly thinking and dreaming of this type of existence. The thought of leaving a full-time employee situation for striking out on my own is something that fills me with fear, but there is that longing as well. I am kept in the place where I am by several thoughts - first, that I make so much money in my current place. I get adequate health insurance. I like doing therapy with my clients, but there are many things that I do not like about my current job. In my experience, though, there are just as many things that I have not enjoyed about all of my jobs.

The Dread Pirate Roberts (in the movie - not in my life right now) has a specific role to play, that of inspiring specific behaviors in others. My fear may have a role in my life as well, but I am trying to find out who (or what) is behind the mask.

Okay, there. I got to the end of an analogy. I think I need to read that book again...I wonder where my copy is located.

See you tomorrow. 

Comments

  1. Janice Lindstrom, MA, MT-BC7:55 AM

    I know where my copy is. Private practice is great because you set your own hours and schedule. And you can work with the clients who work well with you and refer those that don't. Private practice is hard because you have to do all things. If your client cancels you don't get paid. You don't get paid time off (but you can take time when you want). You have to get your own health insurance (super expensive). You have to work when clients are available (often after school depending on your business model). But you can plan for all of these issues and come up with solutions for them.

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