‘Write My Way to Freedom’: An Army Ranger Reflects
Commentary
I’ve discovered writing to be a tremendous tool to analyze my mental health status because I’m forced to describe my actions, explain my beliefs, and articulate my captivating perspectives using creative wordplay and fluid sentence structure. Drifting away with the tide is often sought after and an easy route to isolation. But, writing helps keep me connected to the tangible. I first discovered writing as a tool for a healthy dose of disassociation when I was overboard and drowning in real-time.
Since the towers fell, I’ve been treading water and making my way from one isolated island to the next deserted location in search of a safe harbor and a place to hang up my rifle. Once again, I can see an approaching storm on the horizon. The thunderheads are climbing, and the barometer is falling. Writing is my only outlet to pacify the raging storm above so I can catch my breath and live to write another day. I write with wild fervor and meticulous dedication because every word I type is one more violent kick toward that safe harbor, and out of the monsoon. I’ll write my way to freedom, or I’ll be scuttled along the way. One lesson this journey of struggle has shown me is, great ship captains are not made on calm seas….