One: “A Portrait of Ansel Kincaid”
"A Portrait of Ansel Kincaid" - Close Up Image: 30 x 40 x 0.75 inches
What follows is a brief biography of Ansel Kincaid. Our protagonist and most common narrator throughout “A Highway of Intrusive Thoughts”.
Name: Ansel Kincaid
Age: 38
Occupation: Freelance Graphic Design
Location: Shadowbrook
Ansel Kincaid was born in a coastal city. The only child of a divorced household, Ansel grew up co-parented in homes where creativity was encouraged and celebrated. His father, a tradesman, and his mother, a painter, instilled in him a love for creating from a young age. In spite of the nurturing environment, Ansel's childhood was plagued by a sense of unease he found difficult to articulate.
Ansel's intrusive thoughts began as vague fears and anxieties during his adolescence, growing more defined and persistent over time. Whether during moments of triumph or times of tranquility, the thoughts became a constant, unwelcome companion. His early experiences of being dismissed or misunderstood when trying to explain his feelings taught him to internalize his struggles. This internalization became a cycle; the more he suppressed, the more intense and frequent the thoughts became.
"A Portrait of Ansel Kincaid" - Framed Image
After high school, Ansel attended a local community college where he discovered his talent for graphic design. This discovery led him to pursue further education at the Shadowbrook School of Design, where he graduated with honors. Ansel's career took off quickly, and he found himself freelancing for big-name clients across the country. His work was known for its vivid detail and emotive power, which were hallmarks of his ongoing inner turmoil.
Ansel's personal relationships have always been complicated by his internal struggles. He tends to keep people at a distance, fearing his intrusive thoughts would be too much for anyone to handle or want to deal with. However, he maintains a close bond with a few trusted friends who have learned to navigate his complex emotional landscape.
Now in his late-thirties, Ansel finds it difficult to vacate Shadowbrook, where the city's vibrant creative community provides him with inspiration and distraction. He continues to work as a freelance graphic designer, balancing client projects with personal artistic endeavors. Ansel has recently started therapy, seeking to better understand and manage the intrusive thoughts that have shadowed his life for so long.
In therapy, Ansel has started to confront the root causes of his intrusive thoughts, exploring past traumas and learning new strategies for managing his mental health. His journey is ongoing, but Ansel remains determined to find a way to coexist with his thoughts without letting them define him. Through his art and his story, Ansel hopes to inspire others who face similar struggles to seek help and embrace their creative outlets as a source of strength.
"A Portrait of Ansel Kincaid" - Wall Shot
Examples of Ansel's Intrusive Thoughts
Catastrophic Thinking: Even during moments of relaxation, Ansel is frequently overwhelmed by catastrophic scenarios. He envisions loved ones getting into terrible accidents, his apartment catching fire, or natural disasters striking without warning. These thoughts are often accompanied by a surge of panic, making it difficult for him to enjoy calm moments without an undercurrent of dread.
Social Anxiety: In social situations, he pictures himself saying something embarrassing or offensive, leading to rejection and ridicule. These thoughts make it difficult for him to fully engage in conversations or build deeper relationships. He often replays social interactions in his mind, obsessing over perceived mistakes and imagining the negative opinions others might have of him.
Health Anxiety: Ansel frequently worries about his health, despite being in relatively good physical condition. He experiences intrusive thoughts about developing serious illnesses like cancer or heart disease. These thoughts often include vivid mental images of hospital stays, painful treatments, and an early death. He frequently misinterprets minor physical symptoms as signs of a serious condition, leading to cycles of anxiety and frequent visits to doctors for reassurance.
These intrusive thoughts significantly impact Ansel’s daily life, making routine activities and interactions more challenging. He continually works on managing these thoughts through therapy and coping strategies, striving to reduce their hold on his mind.