Invisible Injuries- Mental health ambassadors

S03 - Dealing with unwelcome thoughts 8

October 22, 2021

Firefighters in full Breathing apparatus gear putting out fire with message in text

"Park it...and move on"

"Park it...and move on" is a powerful instruction to the mind for dealing with intrusive thoughts, this technique is a simple statement that acknowledges simpley that the incident occured, without attempting to bury it in any way. ⁠ ⁠

As a car parking metaphor, it's helpful because the veteran/first responder can imagine a picture of parking an old car anywhere they choose....and then walking away from it....and onward, along their life journey.⁠ ⁠

They may choose to return to the car, from time to time, to take a fresh look at it, maybe sit inside for a while, or drive it around a little. In whichever case, they can park it again...lock it up...move on...and return to walking along their life's journey⁠ .

Practice by say the command "Park it...and move on" 10-12 x per week, or when the unwelcome thought occurs.⁠ ⁠

For best results –“horses for courses” applies. Some might find one tool or technique helpful, others will experiment with another that proves helpful. All are available to try and it’s often about finding “what works” for you. ⁠ ⁠

🖨 reprinted with permission @johnhendenauthor
@wiley-publishing @beatingcombatstress