But one day I’ll have to explain about my nightmares. Why…
““But one day I’ll have to explain about my nightmares. Why they came. Why they won’t ever really go away. I’ll tell them how I survive it. I’ll tell them that on bad mornings, it feels impossible to take pleasure in anything because I’m afraid it could be taken away. That’s when I make a list in my head of every act of goodness I’ve seen someone do. It’s like a game. Repetitive. Even a little tedious after more than twenty years. But there are much worse games to play.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker acknowledges persistent nightmares, their impact, and a coping strategy of recalling acts of goodness as a mental game to counter fear.
In simple terms: Nightmares linger, but recalling kindness helps survive them.
Recall kindness to combat fear.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal reflection
- daily stress
- long‑term trauma
- self‑care
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you diversify coping methods?
- What other practices sustain hope?
The strategy may not fully eliminate distress and can become tedious over time.