Throughout our lives, we experience life events and traumas that are just too difficult and complex to process. I know that recently, I’ve found myself struggling to make sense and come to terms with what’s going on in my life. Lately, I’ve felt lost and alone and have no clue how I can possibly move forward. That’s usually when I turn to books for comfort and a sense of safety.
At first, I didn’t realize why I would find myself grabbing book after book. There were several times when I only wanted to spend my free time getting lost in these imaginary worlds. None of these people were real. Why did I find myself so invested in their wellbeing? Why did I become so attached to these characters? Then one day, it clicked. These fictional characters were helping me process my own emotions and feelings. I didn’t feel safe enough to do it in real life. So, I had to vicariously find healing and closure through someone else.
These imaginary people and worlds can provide a safe space for exploration and expression. They exist in their own little realm. And in that realm, they weren’t fictional. They were complex beings with their own backstories, lives, and hardships. We can put ourselves in their shoes and for a few hundred pages, live through their experiences, and in doing that, gain insight into our own lives.
As I started writing my own stories, I realized that creating characters that embodied my own struggles helped me process whatever I was going through. Writing became my outlet to express my fears, my anxieties, my anger, and my insecurities without judgment or ridicule. I could explore the darkest parts of myself through the eyes of my characters. I was able to explore all aspects of my experience in a safe and controlled way. Throughout my life, I believe that fiction truly helped me to work through my feelings and gain a deeper understanding of myself. When I read back over their stories, I am reminded of the progress I’ve made in my own life.
One book and movie that truly hits home for me is “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky. The main character, Charlie, hasn’t truly dealt with his best friend’s suicide or the abuse that he himself endured as a child. It was one of the first books I came across that had a genuine portrayal of mental health and the aftermath of trauma. I related heavily to Charlie because he was flawed. He made mistakes throughout the story and visibly struggled with his mental health. But it was through his imperfections that he became a more compelling and realistic character.
Another character that resonated with me was Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games.” She initially volunteered for the games to save her sister’s life, but she inadvertently started a movement that became bigger than she could’ve ever imagined. Throughout her story, I witnessed her make some life-changing choices that I also would have made and some decisions that I can only hope I would have the courage to follow through with. Through Katniss, I saw that it was okay to be terrified, but we can’t let our fears get the best of us.
Fictional characters can be a powerful tool for healing. They provide a safe space for us to explore and express our emotions. They remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that it’s okay to feel the way we do. They show us that even in the darkest of moments, there is hope for a brighter future. So, the next time you find yourself struggling to process your emotions, pick up a book or start writing your own story. You never know where the healing power of your imagination will take you.
Minor Inkrements 