I was taking a much needed break from the computer and what has become an endless journey in gathering support and resources for Veterans with PTSD.  As I stood in my front yard I began looking at a stone I had recently brought back from a hunting trip.  I know this sounds a bit odd but during my mission of healing I have gained a different perspective on a lot of things.  I was pondering the thought of how old this stone might be and how long it had been in the spot I found it.  I then began to think about the fact that this stone had probably been in the same spot since I was born.  Every breath I have ever taken that stone was there.  My journey from an infant to a man had occurred and this stone had remained unchanged and unmoved for all that time.  I started thinking about the events that caused my PTSD and how the stone had just layed in wait.  The two trends of thought merged in my mind.  The stone would still be in that spot had I not moved it, and PTSD would still be running my life had I not acted upon it to stop it.  I think I will visit that stone everyday for at least a moment to remind me of how my actions effect my healing.  I need it because although I am on my way I am not completely free of PTSD and the symptoms it creates.

     We all have a part to play in our lives, some choose to allow others to direct their paths.  Some choose to allow circumstances to decide what their reality is.  I have allowed both of these to occur at some time in my life.  Letting other people or circumstances choose your path is a very risky and potentially destructive course of action.  Be empowered to make your own decisions, then have the courage to face each day with the knowledge that your life is yours to live and protect.  Don't let destructive people or circumstances make your life something you aren't happy with.  Change is not always easy and it may even seem scary, but the fact you are reading this particular message tells me you are looking for an answer to a problem.  In any case I think I would choose the unknown over misery any day.  Be bold, be empowered and make a carefully thought out plan and execute it.  If you are suffering form PTSD that can be a very challenging process.  Thats why I have created this community and work hard every day to bring resources together to help each person make that plan and provide support in times of need.

     Times are changing, there is a movement of support and acceptance occurring right now.  Never has there been a better time to break the cycle of misery then right now.  Don't allow PTSD to lay in wait like a stone in your life, it won't move, look away, blink or forget.  You have to take action to make a change and there is no better time and place then right here and right now.  Is there a one size fits all cure?  No, not that I am aware of right now.  Does that discourage me?  No, it makes me want to dig a little deeper and continue the quest for answers.  I do know this, there are a tremendous amount of skilled and compassionate people working fevorishly to discover the best solution to our problem.  That being said, I still believe that making the decision to put a stop to victimhood is one of the best healing techniques I have found.  Self awareness is another technique I use, be aware of your reactions and maintain an inner dialog with yourself.  A dialog of self assurance and confidence.  Make apologies when you go too far with the anger.  Stop practicing avoidance of situations gradually and give your self the room to make mistakes.  The point is, stop doing the same thing and expecting different results.  Educate yourself and encourage those around you to get that education as well.  Set yourself up a team of supporters.  If you are alone, we are here and that is our purpose.  Welcome to OperationPTSD, we understand what the problem is.

Jason

OperationPTSD