Picking Up the Pieces

Introduction

This is a solo journaling RPG about processing grief after a traumatic event.

You have survived something traumatic. You need to figure out how to process the grief that this event has caused. Using the kids game Pick Up Sticks (sometimes known as Jackstraws) and a journal you will answer prompts to detail your journey through the stages of grief. Tension is baked into the game, but moving another stick during a pull will introduce a more intense prompt. After all the sticks are pulled and you have completed your journey through the stages of grief you will be given options to decompress. After all, it has been an emotional adventure.   

Content Warnings & Disclaimers

Depending on the event you choose there is a possibility of tragedy, death, relationships, catastrophic events (fire, weather related, etc.) or more depending on where your imagination takes you.

Erratic behavior due to processing grief, drugs and alcohol, sleeplessness, and nightmares.  

Since you are directing the narrative you choose where the game takes you. If you feel uncomfortable please change the direction of your answers to the prompts, skip over prompts, or put the game away. You decide what is best for you. 

This game is not made by or with the help of any kind of therapist. If this game helps you in any way, great, but either way I hope you enjoy the reflection. I will be including resources to get help with grief at the end if you find that you need them. 

What you need

• 31 Pick Up Sticks
  • 8 sticks of 2 different colors, 7 sticks of two different colors
  • One stick of a different color from the others known as the Support Stick
• Journal
• Pen/Pencil

Itch BG - Photo by David Schultz on Unsplash