#SongoftheDay 5-4-3-2-1 (Manfred Mann)

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The PTSD is really taking its toll, these days. It keeps stealing me out of the present moment and taking me into the past.

I tried to watch a woodworking show I really like (woodworking shows are very cool. explain to me why they're not), and I couldn't concentrate at all. If I'd never seen the show before, I'd have said it was boring and it didn't hold my attention. But I've seen many episodes, so I know I like it. I know it's the PTSD that's placing itself in front of my face so I can't even see the television--that's the problem.

I've learned coping mechanisms for dealing with PTSD flashbacks, but today I couldn't remember any of them. My brain had been that stolen away by unpleasant memories. So I had to google coping mechanisms, and one I came across is called 54321. I'm familiar with it, but I don't tend to use it.

To ground yourself in the present moment, you're supposed to look around the room for 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can... oh, this is a tough one... what are the five senses again? (See, this is why I rarely actually use this device. I don't remember so good anymore.) I know 2 is smell, which seems odd because how can you smell two different things at the same time? Are you supposed to open various vials and sniff them in alternation?

One is taste. I think 5 should be taste, and you should eat 5 different jelly beans and try to guess the flavours. In fact, I think this whole exercise should involve jelly beans. Eat 5, then 4, then 3, then 2, then 1. That's a good exercise.

In the end, I just sang this song to myself. That made me feel well enough to go back to my woodworking show and actually enjoy it.


If you're wondering how you can support me in bringing you songs and anecdotes, the easiest thing you can do is buy my books (most are for adults only!) or check them out from your local library. 

Supporting my AudioErotica endeavour on Patreon would also help me hugely.

I'm also an Amazon Influencer, so hopefully I can make a little pocket change when you buy stuff by clicking through my affiliate links.

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See you soon!
Giselle


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