the healing power of a bookstore

Hey, you know what? It's the 27th of March today. And, like, I knew it was the 27th of March today because I know I'm working on the 27th, but I didn't realize it was MARCH 27.As in traumaversary March 27th. (Warning: not a happy post in that link.)As in PTSD issues March 27th.Until I thought of the date and then did a mental double-take when I realized what day it was.Normally I am hyper-aware of when this date is about to arrive. I have many sleepless nights, nightmares when I DO sleep, random panic attacks, and more leading up to the end of March. It's been the norm for the past 3 years.And yet, I really have not thought about this at all. And today, when I realized what day it was... I have had no reaction.Maybe tonight, now that I am thinking about it (but not obsessively thinking about it!) I might have a nightmare or something. But to be honest, I feel so calm, and NORMAL that I don't feel like that will happen at all.Because I removed myself from so much that reminded me of the trauma. I am no longer downtown. I am no longer walking to the office I was walking to when it happened. I am in a job that keeps my brain busy, my body busy, and my mood HAPPY. So, so happy.The trauma was always in the back of my mind for so long. Even outside of the last week of March. It was always there. I was always looking up. I'm still very cautious about my surroundings, but I'm not thinking about being cautious all the time. I know it's become part of my every day routine and reactions, but I am not thinking about WHY.Because this job has healed so much of what was broken within me. This job has brought me back so much joy. And I no longer feel lost. I no longer feel like I don't know who I am anymore.I have found myself again, and it's not all because of working at the bookstore, but that's been a huge part of the reason. Quitting my job, starting back in retail (books!), was such a terrifying change to make, but the more I think about it, the more I confirm that this was one of the best decisions I have ever made.Because today is March 27, and I am not afraid of it.