Writing to Heal, Learn and Grow

emamei

I wanted to share something I posted on my personal blog today...I hope it will encourage others.

Writing is something I've always done ever since I was really young. I believe I was six or seven years old. I remember writing little stories, poems, prayers, and my thoughts and feelings about things I was experiencing at that time in my life.

I find writing to be liberating and deeply healing. Whether it's writing in a physical journal, pen to paper, or journaling online via a blog like this one.

Not only is writing therapeutic, it is incredibly helpful in sorting through a barrage of feelings, thoughts and emotions. It helps to put and keep things in perspective, to view things, people, circumstances, challenges and crises in a different light.

Not only has writing this blog helped me cope and navigate this cancer journey, it has helped friends and family close to me and other people from all over the world either facing cancer themselves or who have friends and loved ones going through cancer cope.

Writing can also be deeply spiritual. I subscribe to a weekly newsletter called Writing Through Cancer and a statement in this week's newsletter sums it up best "writing opens a door into our spiritual journeys. When we come face to face with our mortality and truth, the irrelevant and unnecessary falls away to reveal the meaning of our lives. Writing gives us a way to discover that meaning. Call it what we will--faith, prayer, spiritual practice or meditation--we discover a higher consciousness, something larger than ourselves." I feel exactly these things when I write. I would like encourage all of you to try writing, journaling or blogging. No one has to read what you write but you; unless you want to share with others.

Writing has helped me deal with grief, loss, pain, life's challenges and difficulties, and learn from every season in my life. Writing for me is cathartic, meditative, releasing, therapeutic, and healing. It is an exploration into the deepest recesses of the human psyche. I believe writing helps strengthen the immune system and the mind. It fills the soul and lets the spirit within us free. It reduces stress and anxiety and allows the writer to empty themselves of all the negative thoughts and energies that are counter productive to living a more peaceful, happy and harmonious life themselves and with others.

For some it may feel weird or unnatural to write about inner most feelings, experiences and thoughts, but if you allow yourself the opportunity to step out of the confines of the three dimensional box that is your comfort zone and explore the possibilities through writing, I'm sure you will find yourself pleasantly surprised by the results.

LoveBabyJesus

Thank You.
That was lovely advice. I too enjoy writing, but don't do it enough. I understand what you mean when you say our spirit can be free when we write. I have found things from so deep inside of me that I didn't even know existed. Feelings we sometimes hide. I will listen to you and write again. I did find it helped me in many ways ... so why did I stop?

I hope you are doing well.

pinkpalette

I have started a cancer journal...
emamei, when I started my chemo journey this past Monday, I started a new journal. I hope it will be enlightening to me one day. As an artist, I hope to fill it with sketches, paintings and other colorful reminders of all the beautiful things that impress me, plus my insight of the moment. I'm trying to find my way. I'm really not certain how I feel. Sometimes I feel up and other times hopelessly down, but I hope to find my way with my journal and hopefully find myself better off for having taken the time to fill it up. Cancer is a struggle each of us face and we have to find our way to make peace with it in our hearts.

I agree with your post completely and enjoyed your thoughts.

pinkpalette

aisling8

pinkpalette said:

I have started a cancer journal...
emamei, when I started my chemo journey this past Monday, I started a new journal. I hope it will be enlightening to me one day. As an artist, I hope to fill it with sketches, paintings and other colorful reminders of all the beautiful things that impress me, plus my insight of the moment. I'm trying to find my way. I'm really not certain how I feel. Sometimes I feel up and other times hopelessly down, but I hope to find my way with my journal and hopefully find myself better off for having taken the time to fill it up. Cancer is a struggle each of us face and we have to find our way to make peace with it in our hearts.

I agree with your post completely and enjoyed your thoughts.

pinkpalette

Writing Through Cancer
Hey,

I, too, am a writer. The Writing Through Cancer caught my eye. That's Sharon Bray. Just after I was diagnosed last year I was able to participate in one of her writing groups at Scripps Hospital. Sharon is a fabulous writer and a wonderful group facilitator. I was so blessed to have that shared experience.

Writing has always helped me to understand my world. I do a lot of fiction -- just make up people and give them my issues and angst:)

xoxo
Victoria

Alexis F

LoveBabyJesus said:

Thank You.
That was lovely advice. I too enjoy writing, but don't do it enough. I understand what you mean when you say our spirit can be free when we write. I have found things from so deep inside of me that I didn't even know existed. Feelings we sometimes hide. I will listen to you and write again. I did find it helped me in many ways ... so why did I stop?

I hope you are doing well.

I like to write my feelings
I like to write my feelings down too, and, only my husband ever reads them. It does help to put it down. I think it is a great idea for anyone.


Thanks, Lex