Origin Story: Epilogue
Image Source: Jon Tyson (Unsplash)
"Although no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending." —Carl Bard.
Carl Bard once said that everyone can create a brand-new ending. In today's post, I want to share with you what I am doing these days to honor this precept.
Since I took that first step on my healing journey, I have realized that it will take consistent effort not to fall back down the rabbit hole. I will always carry these post-traumatic injuries, as one cannot unsee what they have seen in this lifetime. In this often-chaotic world, I get triggered sometimes, but I make a concerted effort to course-correct when I start to stray from the path. Now I'll share what keeps me grounded.
First, Judy and I moved to the mountains of Western North Carolina and have not regretted a day since. We have met and made wonderful friends who complement our desire for a quiet and peaceful third act in life. Judy is my everything, and as I pen this post (October 5th), we are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. I am thankful that she did not turn away from me when I needed her most. I love you my bride.
Second, I shifted away from personal training and became a trauma-informed yoga and meditation practitioner. I take at least one yoga class with another instructor to do something healing for myself. I work with veterans, community members, and those in recovery. I want to expand by sharing the gift of yoga with first responders and anyone who carries the scars of trauma.
Third, over the past six years, I have volunteered with a non-profit organzation whose mission is to raise funds to support the unbudgeted needs of local area law enforcement. I serve on the board of directors and lead the mental health/peer support project. To me, volunteerism is the backbone of this country, giving us opportunities to make the world a better place for all to live. I have found this to be a rewarding and fulfilling dimension of my post-traumatic growth, and I recommend it to all.
Fourth, five years ago, a friend of mine and I started a podcast called the Vice of Miami where we reviewed each episode and season of Miami Vice. We concluded the series earlier this year and have moved on to our new podcast called Sunday Gravy Radio where we discuss everything and anything that comes to mind. When interviewed by another podcaster who asked why we created these shows, I said that the podcast offered us a chance to stay connected as friends even though we are separated by several hundred miles. To heal, we need connection and not isolation.
Lastly, I want to thank every one of you, my readers, for joining me on this storytelling journey. May the words I have written inspire those who may be struggling to take that first step from behind the shadows of the stigma surrounding mental health. I am always available to have a conversation and guide you -all you need to do is reach out, and I will listen. At the end of the day, healing is about learning to love life again. Let's listen to what Ella Langley has to say about this statement. Until next time -
Namaste,
Tim
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