Author: Jason Marcle
In the eerie shadows of June 2009, our annual vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains turned into a nightmarish odyssey. Traveling on Interstate I-40, the mundane highway transformed into a stage for a chilling encounter that continues to haunt me. Nestled in the darkness while navigating through Nashville at night, an unforeseen force gripped me. Profound discomfort enveloped my senses – a crescendo of sweating, dizziness, and an oppressive weight on my chest. Breaths eluded me, and an indescribable pain seared through the front of my left leg. The Desperate Halt Fearing an imminent collapse, I hastily pulled over on…
I have not been the same since I experienced a nervous breakdown in 2022. That was one of the scariest experiences I have ever had. I simply am not the same person anymore. As bad as I fight to regain my old self, I just have not succeeded. The struggle to reclaim my former self has been an uphill battle, marked by setbacks and a persistent sense of loss. Today, I am filled with restlessness. I am filled with anxiety from the perturbation. I am constantly nervous. I will say that my racing thoughts have calmed down a lot since…
Has anybody ever done you or somebody you love wrong? Now, let us flip that question around. Have you ever done somebody wrong in your lifetime? When somebody does you wrong, how do you respond? Do you get angry or resentful, or are you forgiving and understanding? If you have done somebody wrong, how did you expect them to react? These are all questions we should be asking ourselves if we do not want anyone living rent-free in our minds. It’s all about reflecting deeply – numerous instances come to mind where I felt wronged or witnessed harm befall a…
I got the idea for this blog from an old AT&T slogan, “Reach out and touch someone,” that was originally used to promote long-distance telephone service, emphasizing the ability to connect with loved ones who were far away. We can also apply this phrase to those dealing with depression/anxiety, those in recovery, or those who simply need help of some sort. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of the word reach is to communicate with someone in a different place. The Oxford Languages Dictionary says to stretch out an arm in a specified direction in order to touch or grasp…
As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, I do not have much self-confidence in myself. I honestly never have. This plays a small role in my anxiety and depression issues. Sometimes, when I am feeling down, I think that I am not worth very much. I am not a man who has many friends; people never invite me to outings or weekend get-togethers. I have always wanted to be invited to a cool Halloween party that I hear many speak about. I never was invited to the “cool” parties in high school. I always felt left out. I can…
I have not been the same since I experienced a nervous breakdown in 2022. That was one of the scariest experiences I have ever had. I simply am not the same person anymore. As bad as I fight to regain my old self, I just have not succeeded. The struggle to reclaim my former self has been an uphill battle, marked by setbacks and a persistent sense of loss. Today, I am filled with restlessness. I am filled with anxiety from the perturbation. I am constantly nervous. I will say that my racing thoughts have calmed down a lot since…
I have a lot of mixed feelings about court-ordered recovery programs. Sometimes, there are good outcomes, and sometimes, not-so-good outcomes. It all starts with the mindset of the individual. In the past, I have sat through many recovery meetings where several of those in attendance were not there of their own free will. This can create a huge distraction because some are the ones who walk in late and interrupt the meetings, some like to talk during the meetings, and some never share the issues they are facing in life. They finish their program and immediately go back to their…
About a month ago, a mysterious book arrived at my doorstep titled “The Shadow Work Journal” by NowDrops LLC. While I have a strong suspicion about its origin, I lack concrete proof. Despite this uncertainty, I’ve delved into the contents of the book, discovering a profound and intricate process that is still relatively new to me. Exploring the Depths of Self through Shadowwork: From what I’ve gathered, the concept revolves around the acknowledgment of our shadow—the hidden or rejected aspects of ourselves. This shadow tends to emerge unconsciously in response to various triggers such as social interactions, moments…
Let’s BEGIN this blog with a powerful reflection on a couple of Bible verses from Matthew 5:15-16 ESV: “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” These verses consistently prompt me to evaluate my conduct around others. I often ponder the example I am setting. When the weight of emotions like sadness, anxiety, or depression…
It’s evident that certain phone calls can haunt us, triggering waves of anxiety every time the phone rings. For me, it started on June 23, 2018, during a seemingly ordinary evening with loved ones. We were outdoors, engrossed in the movie “Dunkirk,” when online conversations hinted at a tragic accident near my parents’ house. The uncertainty hung heavy. As helicopters buzzed overhead around 7:45 pm, the air thickened with tension. By 8:30 pm, the house phone rang, heralding a moment that would etch itself into my memory as a source of ongoing PTSD events. From Tragedy to…