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By the time you've run your mind through it a hundred…

“By the time you've run your mind through it a hundred times, relentlessly worked out every tic of terror, it's lost its power over you...Soon it's a story on a page or, more precisely, everybody's story on a page.” quote by John Gardner
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“By the time you've run your mind through it a hundred times, relentlessly worked out every tic of terror, it's lost its power over you...Soon it's a story on a page or, more precisely, everybody's story on a page.”

John Gardner

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Repeated mental rehearsal of fear eventually desensitizes you, turning terror into a story you can read.

In simple terms: Thinking about fear many reduces its power.

Key Takeaway

Write down fears to diminish their grip.

Themes

psychology fear resilience storytelling mindfulness

Mood

reflective calming

Type

self‑help literary

When to use this quote

  • personal journaling
  • therapy sessions
  • stress management

Key Concepts

cognitive reframing exposure therapy narrative therapy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What fear have you turned into a story?
  • How does narrativizing fear change its impact?
A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on rationalization may ignore underlying trauma.

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