Chip had just laid down on the office couch when his psychiatrist broke the silence.

"Tell me what is bothering you Chip."

"I feel burdened, like I can't carry all the weight I need to. I know that sooner or later I'm going to collapse from all the pressure."

"That's a good start Chip. How long have you felt this way?"

As he closed his eyes Chip tried to take himself back in time to the beginning of all his troubles. Upon completion of this memory scan Chip's brow furrowed and the muscles in his back and legs tightened.

"I've felt it for the past six months. My wife and I were having financial problems so I took on a second job."

"Your problem is simple," began the psychiatrist, "the weight you feel is from the pressure of supporting your family. It's a deep-rooted emotional and psychological problem that may take years to remedy."

"Will the sessions help my back problems?" inquired Chip. "I really can't afford to see a chiropractor and a psychiatrist, like I said; we've had some financial problems."

"Chip, the reason your back is sore is because of the stress you put on yourself. Your muscles tense up and cause the pain you're complaining of, and could become worse without my help. First we heal the mind, only after then will your body mend."

"Sounds good Doc, should we discuss my childhood now or my obsession with figurines?"

"Both are worthwhile discussions and I plan to go in-depth with them over time. However, our time is up and we'll need to continue our therapy another day."

"But Doc, can you give me some advice in the meantime? I need to find a way to carry this weight until our next appointment."

"Chip, remember these words, 'what is, is not until I make it so. My burden is mine and thus I have full control over it. The power is mine to do with it as I please.' Just say that to yourself anytime you start to feel overwhelmed."

"Thanks Doc, I feel better already."

"I'll see you again next Monday at 3 PM Chip."

"Can we change it to Tuesday? I have to work late at my second job on Monday."

"Sure, Tuesday at 4:30 it is."

As Chip rose from the couch and walked across the room to leave, his psychiatrist patted him on the shoulder. "By the way, what do you do at your second job?"

"It's kind of embarrassing, but I'm one of the bases on a cheerleading squad. My specialty is the pyramid."

After Chip departed the room, his psychiatrist slowly closed the door and began to scratch his head while he pondered. "Well, I guess I'd better learn a little about chiropractic care before our next session."