Skip to main content

Numbness or Screams


I recently saw a quote that resonated with me. Erin saw it today in my session and gave me a bit of the side eye.

I am well tangled in an insatiable chaos- always balancing between the numbness and the screams.”–S.A. Quinox.

My mind has been a battleground of contrasting sensations, alternating between numbing silence and haunting screams. There is a constant oscillation, as if I am momentarily anchored in one place before being propelled to the opposite extreme.

Next week I am meeting with a psychiatrist, as part of Erin’s recommendation. The plan is to discuss medicating me. At first, I was 100% against this, but then I realized I am on medication for cholesterol, for diabetes and for gout. This is no different. I have friends on Xanax and Adderall and they take them, not a prescribed but “as needed”. I want nothing nearly that strong, and will take it as prescribed, not “when things get bad”.

During my leave from work, I hike almost daily, exploring new trails and immersing myself in nature. Engaging in this is helping me unwind and mentally prepare for my return to work. Erin and I had a thorough conversation about setting boundaries at work, focusing particularly on prioritizing my needs.

From February 16th onwards, I have been exploring a mix of familiar and unknown trails, immersing myself in a variety of landscapes, and experiencing new sensations. While exploring alone, I stumbled upon hidden gems and later introduced my friends, including Mark, Amanda, and Amanda, to these newfound treasures.

As I went along, I captured every moment through my photographs. I have a clear and uncomplicated goal. Take a photo of anything that captures my gaze. With no other plans or obligations. Below is a link to those photographs. I will continue to add to them as I hike, so please bookmark the link.

As I sit here writing this, I can still feel the soreness in my legs from my invigorating 6-mile hike this morning. According to my watch, I have already taken 18,728 steps today, and there are still a few more hours until bedtime.

Amid the constant struggle between numbness and screams, I am finding solace in knowing that I am gradually regaining control. Dr. Erin’s guidance, the anticipation of the upcoming psychiatrist visit, and the unwavering support from my wife, cousin, and friends Mark, Amanda, and Amanda are all serving as pillars of strength, providing me with the support to find a more comfortable state. A place where the numbness tingles and the screams transform into hushed whispers.

Until next time,

Tim

https://500px.com/p/timbindner/galleries/temp-2

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Rocky Ridge/Breeden Ridge Trail

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography Today I met my buddy Mark at O’ Bannon Woods State Park for a hike.  In this Coronavirus terrifying world, I needed to get out. My week had not been going so well.  I got some surprises at work that changed how future projects will go for me and I was bombarded by daily messages of doom about the Corona Virus.  I was looking forward to the weekend because I had two hikes planned.  This is the only one that happened. After a two day headache (Friday and Saturday) I was able to get out and hike.  I met Mark at the campground in O’ Bannon Woods and we set off on the Rocky Ridge Trail.  This is the trail we had planned on hiking a few weekends ago but it ended quickly when the forecasted 30% of rain became 100% sleet. The trail this time was still muddy but as I could tell by the campground area we would be alone.  As my boots slushed through the mud I watched from behind as Mark often caught a tree root or rock with the toe of his boot, sending...

I almost died - Adventure Hiking Trail.

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography (https://www.instagram.com/timothybme/) This morning I was able to cross off a mini-bucket list item.  I have always wanted to hike on the Adventure Hiking Trail (AHT) and today I achieved that with my good friend Mark. We met in the parking lot by the guard shack at the entrance to the park.  We took a moment to greet each other and both of us tried to decide to wear a jacket or not.  Mark loves to drive and since he has a Jeep I was okay with him hauling us to our starting point.  I loaded my gear in his Jeep, climbed in and we headed off. As Mark turned onto Cold Friday Road I felt my excitement level begin to rise as I had been looking forward to this hike for a long time.  The road, though paved was very bumpy and curvy.  It was littered with debris.  Not man-made debris but the kind only Mother Nature could provide.  The Jeep crushed branches, it road over leaves and small rocks, and we seemed to feel every puddle and pothole as we descended the ...

Breeden Ridge Trail

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography This week I rode an emotional rollercoaster, and I felt like I had no safety belt to keep my securely locked in place.  The week began with yet another bill that seems for the last month we have been hemorrhaging money for state taxes, many home repairs, and car repairs.  My son’s truck had work being done and the price ended up $200+ more than expected.  After dropping my car off for a simple oil leak and picking his truck up I was soon informed that my simple oil leak also involved a radiator leak and a bill of $1700+.  I needed an outlet and the best place for that is the trails. Friday started well.  I met a friend for lunch.  This friend recently retired from my employer and though I didn’t know him that well I always enjoyed talking to him and felt we had some things in common with music.  I tend to gravitate toward older people (especially men), always welcoming their knowledge and experience of life.  This was no exception.  Our lunch meeting c...