Distance myself Quote by Linda Olsson
““My life now consists of fragments where some are so blinding in their intensity that they make everything else indistinguishable. What shall I do with these glittering shards? There is no pattern; I can't make them fit. With each other, or with the whole that should be my life. It feels as if my existence was extinguished in a flash, and afterwards my universe became incomprehensible. Just shards and particles, which I carry with me wherever I go. They are sharp and they still hurt to touch. And they are so heavy. I know there is more - there are less intense fragments that I need to make it whole. I want to remember everything. But perhaps I need to give it more time. Allow myself some rest. Distance myself a little, to see if I can make out a pattern. And face the truth about what is really there.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Fragments of Self,” Linda Olsson, 2021
Life feels broken into intense, painful pieces that lack cohesion; healing requires patience, rest, and seeking patterns to integrate them.
In simple terms: Life feels broken; need time and rest to heal.
Key Takeaway
Allow rest, reflect, and seek patterns to integrate experiences.
Themes
psychology
healing
fragmentation
self‑discovery
patience
inner peace
Mood
reflective
hopeful
calm
Type
self‑help
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy session
- quiet meditation
- journaling
- support group
Key Concepts
trauma
integrative therapy
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What patterns can you notice in your pain?
- How can you gently rest without avoidance?
A Different Perspective
Healing may be slow and not all fragments will fit neatly.
![“When it seemed like I was going to really have to be there at Todd's [Willingham] execution, I don't think I could have done it. I think I began to distance myself. I didn't visit as often; I didn't write as often. This was kind of after my conversation with [fire science expert] Gerald Hurst. And…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f23/elizabeth-gilbert-131_accidents_when-it-seemed-like-i-was-going-to-reall_469750.jpg)
