Jim Stitzel
Jack-of-All-Trades, Master of WordsExcerpts from Life
A Morning In the Life
I'm driving to Frankfort, on my way to the Ironblock to set up and get some work done today. I have plans to do some work for my boss, but I also have some personal projects I want to work on that I haven't had time for lately. I'm still rubbing the sleep from my...
When Anxiety Becomes Outright Fear
Let me be the first to admit it -- I lost my mind for a little while today. The anxiety I've been feeling all week has been weighing heavy on my mind and heart. It has been interfering with my ability to perform my job, a job that I love and enjoy and would hate to...
Living with Anxiety
The thing about living with an anxiety disorder is that you never know when those cloying fingers of fear will wrap themselves around you and bring you to a debilitating halt. Sure, there are medications you can take to ease the symptoms and cognitive behavioral...
Fiction
Identity Crisis
Do you know who I am? Because I sure don’t. At least I don’t know who I am here, in this world. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t have amnesia. I recall fully well who I was before I got here. And I remember how I got here, passing through a crack in my bedroom wall. It...
Soul Reflections
Stop making me feel guilty. I can see you, in the mirror, reflected in a glass of water, looking back at me from any shiny surface. You’re always looking over my shoulder, reminding me of what I’ve done. And I don’t need that kind of guilt. Least of all from you. I...
The Island, the Tree, and the Phoenix
A floating island, maybe 50 feet across. It hangs inside a light shroud of mist. On the island, a lone tree, 80 feet tall and in full flower. Pink cherry blossoms, or something of the kind. Around the island, three moons orbit at various distances. From the...