"So, what did the doctor tell you this morning," he asked his wife, struggling to hide an ugly scowl on his thin, dark features. A sudden wave of sadness filled her mind as a single tear tried to fall from one tired eye, but didn't. The room seemed unnaturally quiet as the woman prepared to … Continue reading Causing Pain, That Other, Ugly Coping Skill
Tag: Empathy
I want to take a few minutes to say "Good Morning" to those individuals who've struggled with loved ones addicted to drugs or alcohol. The people who have the love and patience to stand by the addicts' side throughout their battle with addiction. So often, we (bloggers) write about the pain and suffering of the … Continue reading Good Morning To Anyone Damaged By Those Who Are Damaged!
This was one of my first pieces of writing. At the time, I was still in my first year of sobriety. I've had a couple of people ask me about the meaning of 'Damages.' They feel I'm placing addicts on a pedestal. I surely don't set the average drug addict or anyone else on a … Continue reading Damages [Spring 2019]
If we live a life of truth and reality, nobody can hurt our feelings. If we're already aware of our personal issues and shortcomings, nobody can hurt our feelings. If we've already owned all of our shit, then there are no surprises. Joseph Shanklin January 2, 2022
Something from last Summer. Last night before bed, I watched a movie on Netflix titled Frozen Ground [2013]. The film is based on a true story. Robert Hansen is a serial killer who brutally raped and murdered between 17 to 21 women in the late 1970s and early 1980s in Alaska. Pictures of the murdered … Continue reading Feeling Too Much [August 2020]
Over the past two years, I've dedicated quite a few hours to writing about; the selfish World we live in, Self-improvement, and taking ownership of our actions. Most recently, I've shared a few stories from my place of employment. As you can imagine, Patrolling the Interstate Highways for a living gives me ample time to … Continue reading Struggle Within Us All
Re-posted from August 1, 2019. The necessity of pain, what would we be without it? We will never know. Our pain creates us. Like most of what I write, this piece comes from my heart. And why is that? Because of past, present, and future. With every breath and every heartbeat, my pain moves with … Continue reading Damages Part III [Empath] Re-posted
I like to watch Old Classic Western Movies. I particularly enjoy the women from these movies. What can I say they're beautiful. There's only one thing about old movies that I struggle with; all of the actors are dead. No matter how much life they had on screen, very few remain alive today. This harsh … Continue reading We Are All Dying
The necessity of pain, what would we be without it? We will never know. For those individuals spending their entire life reliving the pain with each pull of a trigger, it can be a never-ending story; not unlike the movie Groundhog Day. (I recommend the movie) Like most of what I write, this piece comes … Continue reading Damages 3 [The necessity Of Pain] Another Repost
Damages 4, Another Bus Ride Are you down? Is your imagination down? How 'bout it, one more time? Relax, keep your eyes open though, so that you can read. What a beautiful warm sunny day, not quite hot, with a just enough wind. The weekend was not a mirage, not having to work today feels … Continue reading Damages 4, Another Bus Ride
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