Phantom Pains Quotes

“Hear me out. The idea of 'radical acceptance' is that sometimes in order to reduce suffering, you have to stop fighting the situation and do the counterintuitive thing. Wholeheartedly embrace reality, spiky bits and all.”
― Mishell Baker, Phantom Pains

“You must stop telling yourself what will be the end of you. You do not know what you can survive until it is done.”
― Mishell Baker, Phantom Pains

“It is interesting, having access to all of one's most irrational impulses. At times, passion for others, or for an ideal, is a source of strength.”
― Mishell Baker, Phantom Pains

“Absence of emotion is not maturity," she said, "though it's easy to mistake. Part of maturity is learning to deprioritize emotion, prevent it from taking the reins. But a large part is perspective, long-term decision making.”
― Mishell Baker, Phantom Pains

“Do what you're supposed to do, regardless of what you're feeling. Regardless of whether it feels right or wrong in the moment. Ignore your thoughts. Just Do the Thing.”
― Mishell Baker, Phantom Pains

“Going through international airport security with two prosthetic legs and a steel plate in your head isn't exactly a piece of cake, but it's easier than going through with a turban.”
― Mishell Baker, Phantom Pains

“You are not going to lose me," said Claybriar. "I don't want to put you through that."

"Is that a promise?" I said, and then immediately realized what I'd asked. I held my hand up in front of his mouth even as he drew breath to answer. "No," I said. "Don't bind yourself. Just do your best to stay alive; that's enough for me."

It was a little dizzying to realize that he'd been willing to promise me that he'd never leave me, and that unlike the others in my past he'd be bound to that promise. It was tempting, in a dark sort of way. But I wouldn't let him do it any more than I'd let him chain himself in the hold of a sinking ship.”
― Mishell Baker, Phantom Pains

“One of the first things you learn as a Borderline is that the only way to keep any friends is to act as though you’re not feeling what you’re feeling at least 30 percent of the time. I”
― Mishell Baker, Phantom Pains

“Apparently PTSD and grief flunked out of the same charm school; neither of them seems to know when it's cool to drop by.”
― Mishell Baker, Phantom Pains