Emotional Response

[chevymitchell]

Unfortunately self-medicating and engaging in dangerous, high-risk behaviors are a commonly-used distraction from those feelings/memories, but definitely NOT a panacea for PTSD.

I found kayaking on the Myakka River to be a healing experience, years ago. It’s my go-to Zen place. Totally immersing myself in nature, with no other humans around, pulled me from the dark depths of my head, in time. When you become a part of nature, you realize that nature doesn’t give a crap about what’s going on in your head. When you become one with nature, YOU don’t give a crap what’s in your head either. It loses the importance we artificially assign to it. You are in the present, and the past truly does not exist. Neither does the future. There is only the present, and when you learn to own that, it’s a HUGE relief!

I get the same effect when I drive one of our Jeeps. It brings me into the present, where nothing else matters, where everything else is irrelevant. Even when there are asshole drivers on the road.

Carrying that feeling of “being in the present completely,” when not in my kayak, and not in my Jeep, is a slow process, but a worthwhile one for myself and my loved ones. One day, you suddenly realize that it has become a normal, natural part of you, as easy as breathing.

Use whatever healthy tools get you there, including Jeeps!

This is really good advice. The artificially assigning importance to something or an experience from the past is a good point. I think it's called "Grounding" or something like that. Kind of like that feeling of going "home" when we were younger; brings you back to a baseline you're familiar with. It's an ebb and flow thing for me, for sure. The Jeep is a great tool and Jeep community is a great escape. I think it's a good way to be part of a sport/hobby and something worthy of sharing with kids. It just attracts good hearted people. Naturally.

Edit: Each hobby has its niche and own community. We see it everywhere. I don't hate on toyota's because of the people. Lol. It's their IFS that gets to me. Lol

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[AmericanPatriot100]

I feel like a Jeep should be one of those things provided by the VA to folks with PTSD. There’s just something about these rigs that brings peace! The community here is awesome too. My buddy’s dad was a “colonel” in blackwater while we were both PFCs in 2007. And yeah, if you’re not gonna wear a seat belt at least wear your PT belt! It’s like a shield from death!

 

[chevymitchell]

I feel like a Jeep should be one of those things provided by the VA to folks with PTSD. There’s just something about these rigs that brings peace! The community here is awesome too. My buddy’s dad was a “colonel” in blackwater while we were both PFCs in 2007. And yeah, if you’re not gonna wear a seat belt at least wear your PT belt! It’s like a shield from death!

PT Belt would be a good Jeep name. Lol.

I agree, the community, once you put yourself out there, is awesome. Huge advocate for this lifestyle.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

When I got out of the Army, I took hard labor and high risk (working at heights) jobs just to channel unresolved energy/anger/resentment into. After awhile, I was feeling better, but life in the world made little sense to me. Then I had a great idea, join a major city police department. Somehow I made it to 26 years, then had to get off the crazy train. WTF was I thinking.

Anyway, thanks to all who “volunteered for this” as we used to say, and the kind words from those who appreciate it. Anyone who wants to turn this into a political, or social issue can fuck right off.

My other escape machine.

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

Well put Joe! Congrats on 26yrs as a LEO! BTW has anyone read Mat Bests book “Thank me for my service!”? It’s incredible. It’s hilarious. Since he worked for the company some stuff he wrote but didn’t take out was redacted. I highly recommend the audio book because he narrates too and his tones for certain situations is too funny!

 

[au176]

Means you're still in there.

There is SO much meaning in those 5 words...

 

[Wbino]

Respect my regular Army, Navy, Air force and Marine veterans.

 

[chevymitchell]

Respect my regular Army, Navy, Air force and Marine veterans.

Navy Vet here, even with an 18 year break-in service, I'm still serving today (USNR LCAC ET) on top of my regular job. Appreciate it, man. Thank you.

 

[chevymitchell]

When I got out of the Army, I took hard labor and high risk (working at heights) jobs just to channel unresolved energy/anger/resentment into. After awhile, I was feeling better, but life in the world made little sense to me. Then I had a great idea, join a major city police department. Somehow I made it to 26 years, then had to get off the crazy train. WTF was I thinking.

Anyway, thanks to all who “volunteered for this” as we used to say, and the kind words from those who appreciate it. Anyone who wants to turn this into a political, or social issue can fuck right off.

My other escape machine.

I bet that GS rides super smooth. Like glass.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

I bet that GS rides super smooth. Like glass.

My last one did. This one has the "Sport" suspension, which is kinda firm. I'm seriously considering a change to regular GS springs. I thought it would break in, and did a little, but I'd still have the regular springs. My R1200GS was a super smooth ride for sure. I had a Harley Road Glide in between BMWs, and that wasn't for me, even my old Suzuki Vstrom rode better than that.

 

[chevymitchell]

My last one did. This one has the "Sport" suspension, which is kinda firm. I'm seriously considering a change to regular GS springs. I thought it would break in, and did a little, but I'd still have the regular springs. My R1200GS was a super smooth ride for sure. I had a Harley Road Glide in between BMWs, and that wasn't for me, even my old Suzuki Vstrom rode better than that.

I took a new Road Glide on a test ride and I thought it was OK. The Pan-Am rode better. This KTM isn't smooth at all, but I do like the ride/ABS modes it has, and the reliability of the LC8.

Big fan of just setting the cruise and letting go of the bars. I rode it from CO to NC this past Feb. COLD AF, but it was some of the best wind therapy I had in a long time. Squared off my rear tire in the process but I needed new tires, anyway.

 

[Heimkehr]

I took a new Road Glide on a test ride and I thought it was OK. The Pan-Am rode better.

Yours truly, taking a Pan Am on an unsupervised, solo test ride. This was in 2021, when they were new and just arriving at the dealerships.

There wasn't a love connection with that bike, but that's a post for another day.

And, remember, Shawn, I'm just one PM away if you require purchase advice for that new Gear Up.

 

[chevymitchell]

Yours truly, taking a Pan Am on an unsupervised, solo test ride. This was in 2021, when they were new and just arriving at the dealerships.

There wasn't a love connection with that bike, but that's a post for another day.

And, remember, Shawn, I'm just one PM away if you require purchase advice for that new Gear Up.

Haha. Appreciate that! You never know when that itch will need scratched. I love those bikes... I also love Jeep parts. Building up Schrodinger is taking all of the shop funds and lighting them on fire currently. Lol Installing liners today, in my happy place (garage), and enjoying some Chick-Fil-A.

 

[PatrickIvan]

Anyone who wants to turn this into a political, or social issue can fuck right off.

*yawn*

 

[USNvet]

Navy Vet here, even with an 18 year break-in service, I'm still serving today (USNR LCAC ET) on top of my regular job. Appreciate it, man. Thank you.

Still serving, me too. I just got back from a day of volunteer work at the Coronado Amphib base working with Lt Commander Chuck, the founder of SEAL Team 3 back in the day, or so he says!

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