I have had entire days where I imagine positive fake scenarios. And others were, yeah, I imagine sad things and bad things. The negative scenarios are typically brief, like intrusive thoughts expanded into little “what ifs”. The happy scenarios can go all day either in between responsibilities, before bed, or just rotting on the sofa on a Saturday. Like little movies I escape into. That’s not to say any of them make me feel good, they just are.
And yeah some days I deliberately seek it to escape.
The negative scenarios are typically brief, like intrusive thoughts expanded into little “what ifs”.
I think of them as simulations, emotionally prepping for something sad or disappointing, so if/when it does happen you’ve already like microdosed on the grief so you don’t fall apart. Like OK it happened, dad’s dead, need to check with siblings, schedule regular mom visits, adjust budget, and reconsider therapy…
it’s useful to have a loose “script” to follow, especially around grief.
I have had entire days where I imagine positive fake scenarios. And others were, yeah, I imagine sad things and bad things. The negative scenarios are typically brief, like intrusive thoughts expanded into little “what ifs”. The happy scenarios can go all day either in between responsibilities, before bed, or just rotting on the sofa on a Saturday. Like little movies I escape into. That’s not to say any of them make me feel good, they just are.
And yeah some days I deliberately seek it to escape.
I think of them as simulations, emotionally prepping for something sad or disappointing, so if/when it does happen you’ve already like microdosed on the grief so you don’t fall apart. Like OK it happened, dad’s dead, need to check with siblings, schedule regular mom visits, adjust budget, and reconsider therapy…
it’s useful to have a loose “script” to follow, especially around grief.
Why yes I am a Virgo how could you tell??