Death Scenario

My Thoughts and Emotions While Imagining the Scenario
Reading the scenario reminded me of some painful childhood experiences. Although the
experiences did not involve fire, they were traumatic, and at some point, I thought the end was
near. My thoughts about the scenario are dumbfounded, and it is even more challenging to
explain. A near-death event presents someone with little or fewer opportunities for survival. One
may try to fight for another day, but the end is defined by hopelessness. The scenario reminded
me of some time when we went mountain climbing in a junior club. It got foggy in the process of
hiking, and we could not trace our way. I was not familiar with the topography of that place and
somehow got trapped in a pool of water between hard rocks. Thanks to my friends who noticed
my absence and came looking for me before it was too late. The scenario got me thinking about
what could have become of me if I had not gotten help. Perhaps I could have drowned, never to
be seen again. Traumatic events are emotionally distressful and can change life within a second.
This “fire emergency” scenario is an unimaginable event that hits differently. Thinking of
being in this scenario is heartbreaking and nerve-wracking. Imagining holding your last breath
and knowing that you are amidst a disaster that cannot be surpassed is horrifying. Imagining the
scenario is emotionally distressing. It becomes so real as if I was there in that room, choiceless
and on the verge of despair. There is a grip of sadness, horror, and fear. I can almost see the
fierce fire flames and feel the ruthless smoke grabbing my gut to send me to the afterlife. My
imagination gets me thinking about people who depend on me, like my parents, children, and
siblings. I think what would become of them if I perished in the disaster. I started to imagine
their reactions and how they would grieve and eventually cope without me, which was
saddening.

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How I Would Handle the Final Moments If I did Experience the Event
If I did experience this event, I think I would do things differently in the horrid final
moments. I would not give up quickly and would fight to survive until the last minute. Nobody
knows what they are capable of when they are in fear and adrenaline is at play. The primary role
of adrenaline is to provide that extra “flight” energy when one is in danger; in this case, I would
leverage it to find a way out of the danger. In the last moments, I would try not to panic or think
about death but derive a survival plan. If the door knobs are hot, I would grab a blanket and
unlock the door as I call the firefighters for help. If that failed, I would have backed away and
pried the window or broken it open using a chair or other object. Such would help me exit the
emergency or get the attention of neighbors for help. I know I would not give up until I run short
of options. If all the possibilities failed, I would cover myself in a blanket, say a little prayer and
ask the Almighty to adopt me in the afterlife.
How I Would Describe My Life up to this Point if I Experienced the Event
If I experienced this event, I would describe my life as a lucky survivor. Surviving such a
traumatic event requires a hard heart. Most people fail to survive due to faint-heartedness, giving
up, and panic. Surviving a fire experience would make me value life more than before. I would
share my survival story and create awareness communities where emergency response topics are
considered less critical. The experience would allow me to share the value of life and insist on
taking advantage of any dull moment because it can make a great tomorrow. I would uphold life
with dignity as an adult, knowing that it can end within a flash of a second and there is nothing
much you can do about it. I would acknowledge everything I have, knowing that death is
inevitable and second chances are golden. Besides, I would try to spend more time with my
loved ones because I know our days together are numbered. I know it would take some time

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before overcoming the trauma. If it worsens, I will seek help from professional psychologists and
support systems to prevent possible mental health conditions due to post-traumatic events.
Healing is a process, but I would be ecstatic to be alive because that matters most.
Ways in Which Traumatic Events Provide Growth Opportunities
Traumatic events can be growth opportunities. Following my experiences during and
after traumatic events can make someone grow or ultimately decline their productivity. During
my first experience, I lacked a support system or a counselor to help me overcome the horrible
experience. Such resulted in a severe depression that almost ruined my life until one day, I came
across a stranger who told me to wake up and see that life had improved. She was unaware of
what I was going through, but the pain was evident in my eyes. Her words of hope helped me
make a 180-degree turn in my life, and I decided to see the gold in the silver lining. Going
through a traumatic experience can make people try new things since they feel nature has offered
them a second chance to live for a purpose (Collier, 2016). Most people start new activities such
as charity events and volunteering in organizations dealing with humanitarian services like
emergencies and evacuation, such as the Red Cross. Others change their perspectives about life
and start new lifestyles and fresh relationships. There are other growth opportunities, like when
people start creative writing and artwork to express their emotions. Such helps them become
stronger and more resilient since they feel more connected to the world as they leave their old
self behind and start with a new meaning in life.
Traumatic events can be emotionally distressful, and such occurrences can take or change
life within a flash of a second. It is upon the survivor to make a positive change after the event
and ensure that their lives become more meaningful. Going through a traumatic experience such
as a significant fire in an apartment can only help a person perceive life with greater appreciation

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and begin a new life. With support systems, friends and family, there is always a possibility of
positive outcomes after surviving a disaster.

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References

Collier, L. (2016). Growth after trauma. Why are some people more resilient than others–and
can it be taught? American Psychological Association.