The clock ticks. Time slows. Life stops.
Tick. Tick. Tick. The hollow sound of the clock drones on.
When something traumatic happens it can leave us wondering if it happened at all. Or if what happened it is just an ill-fated dream, with morning only moments away. Only this kind of morning never comes. Yet, the feelings and experiences are real.
Anger, grief and fear are now familiar, much like worn out friends on a sour day. Feelings taunt us. They trick us into thinking this is normal. So normal, we are almost afraid to let go. Because if we do, their absence would threaten to separate us from something or someone we once knew and loved.
Time slows. What once was, no longer is.
ReStory
Find a quiet spot or a quiet time of the day. Grab a piece of paper and your favorite pen. Set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes. Then write, draw or scribble anything that comes to mind. Words, feelings, images, doubts, fears … whatever it is, write it down.
When you are finished, destroy the paper. Don’t go back and read it. Just destroy it. What is done is done.
Afterward, ask yourself these questions. Someone people write down the answers. Seeing your answers can help you know that some things can be different.
What was it I like to do this?
What has changed?
What is different now than when you started?
Time is time. Clocks are clocks. What happened, has happened. We are who we are. What you choose is up to you.
For many of us, when we stop fighting with ourselves and our experiences we can begin to see what is possible beyond them. Whatever things feel like now, life around you is still happening. Life is still changing. You are not the same person you were when things happened.
Until next time . . . Story Impact: Changing Stories – Changing Lives!
Disclaimer: This exercise is not designed to diagnose or treat challenges relating to mental illness, crisis intervention or life-threatening situations. If you are experiencing any type of mental health emergency, immediately call 911 or contact your healthcare team.