Writing has many purposes, the chief of which is communication. But some writers write primarily for the sake of self-understanding.
There is something about the writing process that reveals one’s innermost conflicts in a way that conversation does not. Most, if not all, of us, have experienced the pouring out of emotions on paper and the dissipation and/or resolution of those emotions through the writing process.
If you are a writer who has been helped by the therapeutic aspects of writing, we’d love to hear from you. Please tell us how the writing process helped you sort out feelings you could not sort out otherwise.
Blessings,
MaryAnn
Hi MaryAnn,
I’ve six novels published in Ireland and everyone of them is escapist reading; the wistful re-telling of growing up in Northern Ireland without the Troubles
August 19, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Welcome to my blog, Anne! And thank you for your comments. 🙂
How difficult it must have been for you to grow up in war-torn Ireland! My mother grew up in Italy during WWII and suffered much because of the war.
I was raised a Catholic but am now what the world calls a Protestant. But in reality, I am a lover and follower of Jesus Christ.
How sad that the world does not understand that Christianity is not a religion but a personal relationship with Jesus Christ–regardless of whether one is labeled Catholic or Protestant.
Blessings,
MaryAnn
August 19, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Amen to what maryann said about being a Christ-follower, not a protestant or catholic or member of a certain denomination! As for writing for therapy, I try to write five things I am thankful for each morning before I begin my quiet time, then often mention some of them in my prayer journal also. I have a friend who keeps a gratitude journal and writes five things each night before she goes to sleep. Sometimes just actually putting it on paper reminds of of all we have to be thankful for!
August 19, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Thanks for your comments, dear Rose! I too have a gratitude journal that reminds me of the many blessings for which I need to be grateful. You are one of those blessings! 🙂
August 19, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Hi MaryAnn –
Journaling helped me through my husband’s illness and the grieving process. Getting the experiences on paper somehow defined, cut them down to size, and helped me make the many decisions I faced.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
August 19, 2009 at 9:09 PM
hi MaryAnn ~ I’ve been on vacation and am back now.
15 years ago, I experienced a late-term miscarriage and lost a son. A total stranger encouraged me to do some creative writing as a way to ease the grief. I wrote a poem for the baby. Then I wrote another and another. It woke memories of me in high school, wanting to write. Somewhere along the path of life, I had forgotten.
So, I wrote my first children’s story. Concordia published it and another. Beatrice Loses Her Doll and Beatrice’s New Clothes came out in 2001. And I’ve been writing ever since.
If not for that, I would not know all the wonderful people I know today! What blessings God brought out of my loss. And I will see him again someday, so while I experience grief now and then, I have hope.
And that’s enough.
August 24, 2009 at 8:29 AM
Dear Pam,
Thanks for sharing with us. Our Lord is first and last the Redeemer. He takes the worst situations of our lives and redeems them for our ultimate good. Glory to His Holy Name!
May He bless your writing beyond your wildest dreams as you continue to touch lives with His love.
August 24, 2009 at 9:38 AM