Writing has always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until I embarked on my journey of writing a novel that I truly understood its transformative power. For me, writing is more than just putting words on a page—it’s a way to process emotions, reflect on experiences, and ultimately, heal. Here’s how writing is helping me grow and find strength in ways I never imagined.
A Therapeutic Outlet
There’s something incredibly cathartic about writing. It allows me to explore my thoughts and feelings in a safe space, free from judgment. When I sit down to write, I can pour out my emotions, whether it’s joy, sorrow, frustration, or hope. It’s a way to confront and make sense of complex emotions that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
When I first started writing my novel, I found myself revisiting past experiences and traumas that I had buried deep. Instead of shying away from these difficult memories, I used them as fuel for my writing. This process has been therapeutic, helping me to understand and come to terms with my past. It’s a form of self-therapy that has allowed me to heal on a deeper level.
Early Beginnings
My love for writing started when I was quite young. Between the ages of 9 and 12, I had a huge desktop computer in my room. Primarily, it was for playing Solitaire or Minesweeper, watching movies, or playing CDs. It wasn’t connected to the internet because we lived in the woods and internet was expensive (and slow). But I would type stories on it.
I made my characters go through the same things I was experiencing. I wrote about how they felt, what they did, and how they coped. My writing reflected what I was feeling, thinking, wanting to do, hoping would happen, or what I worried could happen. It was kind of genius, and I didn’t even know it. Fast forward to today, that same habit or coping tool of mine is coming back out. So many of my writing sessions, blog posts, journal entries, or parts of my book make me face and reflect on struggles I’ve had for years. It’s truly been so therapeutic.
Building Resilience
Writing about personal experiences, especially the challenging ones, requires a certain level of vulnerability. It’s not always easy to relive painful moments or to expose your innermost thoughts. But through writing, I’ve learned that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Each time I face these difficult topics head-on, I become more resilient.
Crafting characters who go through their own trials and tribulations has also been a lesson in resilience. As I develop their stories, I see reflections of my own journey. Watching them grow and overcome obstacles reminds me of my own strength and capacity for growth.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Writing has also been a journey of self-discovery. Through my characters, I explore different facets of my personality and values. I’ve learned more about myself in the process—what drives me, what scares me, and what brings me joy. It’s like holding up a mirror to my soul, revealing parts of myself that I hadn’t fully understood before.
I’ve always had a fear of what others think. I have a best friend who has always been this outspoken, zero-cares kind of person. Although I’d amend that to say she deeply cares about what matters and doesn’t care about what doesn’t impact her. Through reflecting on her strength and steadfastness, I feel like I have grown stronger in who I am.
In deciding to put myself and my words out there, I have already faced things that typically make me want to curl up and disappear. I’ve had students follow me, former co-workers find my work, and friends see things I felt unprepared to share. This experience has made me realize that while I may not always feel ready to face judgment, I am strong enough to handle it.
This past year another teacher, who had been through unimaginable things in her personal life the past few years, said to me, “You can do hard things.” Simple, but it hit me hard in the moment. It’s since become our family motto. My son recently yelled it when trying to move his heavy truck over a bump, and it instantly brought tears. That’s all I want for my kids. That’s all I want for me.
Through all of this, I want to be like my friend and care about what matters and forget what doesn’t. I want to remember that when a student becomes my fifth follower on my new Instagram account, I’m showing them I am doing what I told them they could do. And I want to remember that important lesson I want my kids to never forget: they can do hard things.
Finding My Voice
For years, I kept my personal writing close to my heart, afraid of judgment or rejection. But as I’ve grown more comfortable with my writing, I’ve found my voice. Writing has given me the confidence to express myself authentically, both on the page and in my daily life. It’s a reminder that my experiences and perspectives are valid and worth sharing. This newfound confidence has spilled over into other areas of my life, helping me to speak up and advocate for myself and others.
Conclusion
Writing has been a lifeline for me, a way to heal, grow, and connect with others. It has taught me resilience, fostered self-discovery, and helped me find my voice. If you’re on a similar journey, I encourage you to pick up a pen or open a blank document. Allow yourself to be vulnerable, explore your emotions, and share your story. The power of words is immense, and through writing, we can find healing and growth beyond measure.
