I woke up freezing today. Not just a bit chilly, but the specific, biting physical cold that immediately triggers my PTSD and drags up flashbacks of things I would rather leave buried. When the brain decides to ambush you with unwanted memories, the only logical defense is to physically barricade yourself. Incidentally, this morning’s qotd could easily be about how the cold can stir up old memories.
I set up camp on the sofa under a mountain of blankets, surrounded by a liquid perimeter of tea, coffee, and water. To get my head straight, I put on YouTube videos of Alaskan supply runs. Not ice road truckers, but farmers making their massive, once-a-year pilgrimage to Costco and Walmart to stockpile for the winter. There is something incredibly grounding about it—it reminds me of winters back at the farm. Back then, we used to get snowed in and had to make sure we were fully provisioned before the weather completely turned. Additionally, watching those videos might just be another answer to today’s qotd, as they help me cope with stressful memories.
Bye Halloween
I also need to pack away the Halloween decorations today. This was the first year I actually bought some, and having them up was a genuinely nice change of pace in the flat. Now, the countdown is on until December 1st. On that day, the Christmas ones take over.
Currently, I am completely hidden under my blanket fort. The birds, Blobette and Mojo, are happily tweeting and singing along to the random YouTube noise, completely unaware of my presence. The problem is, if I suddenly move, it’s going to jump-scare them both into next week. Therefore, to prevent giving them tiny avian heart attacks, my current plan is to gently play ‘Ave Maria’ from my phone as a warning soundtrack before I emerge. By the way, sharing stories like this makes for a perfect qotd when reflecting on odd ways we handle stress.
Which brings me to the question of the day. We all have bizarre ways of handling the heavy days. Mine is currently hiding under a blanket watching Alaskan grocery hauls. Also, I am preparing to serenade my pets with classical music just so I can stand up.
What is your highly specific, entirely illogical coping mechanism when your brain throws a bad flashback? Feel free to answer in response to this qotd if you like to share.
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I train 6x a week in a HIIT and CrossFit program. Whenever I slip and start to feel those feelings I do an extra session.
Sending warm vibes! Blankets for the win! 😊😊😊
I wish I could do that, that’s amazing! and thank you!
Currently, I am going through a breakup with a friend. My unhealthy solution is to shop. It is neither healthy nor easy on the wallet.
I’m sorry to hear that.
Normally, it’s eating sweets. It’s unhealthy, and I’m trying to find something that will help me deal with my emotions in a healthier way.