How Writing Can Heal Your Soul.

As a young girl, books created a portal into another world. I was transfixed by the words, and soon the page beckoned to me like a fog horn. I can only describe it as an innate need within. And after much trial and error, I have found my voice. I hope my words will create hope and laughter, since a good dose of laughter is good for the soul.

Writing has long since been a way to let out what’s ailing me, whether it be heartbreak, anger, disappointment or confusion. For many, these emotions tend to overlap; but giving voice to our innermost thoughts and emotions can be therapeutic.

Have you ever thought of writing as a form of therapy? Whether you use writing as a tool in therapy, or on your own; it can be very cathartic when working through life’s many challenges. Let’s face it, this past year has been full of surprises, many of which weren’t the happy or fun kind.

If you ever find yourself with racing thoughts and you’re not in the present moment; writing provides a way to decompress. Just do a brain purge onto paper, or your phone/device as many do in our modern times. I daresay, however; the act of putting pen to paper is as helpful as the actual words.

If you think, “I’m not a writer!” No worries, you needn’t have a Master’s Degree! Nor does it have to be perfect. Write what’s ailing you. You might be surprised what comes out. Don’t censor yourself. This is for you, and you alone.

Writing is a form of self-discovery. If you’re at a pivotal point in your life, it helps to weigh the pros and cons. If you see them in black and white, your challenges may not feel quite as overwhelming. If you analyse everything to death, as we women are prone to do, write out your worst fears. What if this/that happens? Follow it all the way through and get it out of your system. Trust yourself to handle whatever comes your way.

As a moody teenager who often felt misunderstood by the world at large, I would write poems and then voice my angst in a journal regularly. While it didn’t solve my most pressing problems, I found writing to be a release then, and now.

If there is an incident in your past which was traumatic, write it out, but create different outcomes. Or write a story about it, in which you are the victor.

Don't you just love the feel of a brand new book? The smooth cover, the stark contrast of ink on paper? I sure do. There's nothing like going into a a book store! It's almost like a library, but with one major difference. With a bit of money , it's yours forever, whereas you have to return the book to the library. There are pros and cons to each but I digress.

Books hold a magical quality to them. Their words can whisk you away, albeit temporarily, and provide a much needed reprieve.

Books have shaped our world in a sense; in that they can draw you into a whole different era and have the ability to change old perceptions.

Letters have a way of changing your perception as well. It may seem old-fashioned, but writing letters can be a way to heal old wounds as well. Even if you never send it.

Letters, or snail mail, are another way to send your writing out into the world. Letters are a window into our soul, offering a glimpse into another's life. You may learn something valuable from them too. And they may learn something from you too.

Learning is a journey which never ends, and you never know what will have an impact on someone's life. We may never realize the impact of what we say, which is why we must be accountable to not only ourselves, but to our potential readers with the words we put out there.

I’d like to add a word of caution, if I may. Whether it be writing, painting, or music; there will be friends or family who may not understand your desire to create. Indeed, not many do. Creatives will understand this insatiable desire to create, but others may not. This does not mean you should not pursue your passions in life. If it makes your spirit burn bright, then by all means; go for it!

There are certainly far worse things in life than going after your dreams. But priorities like finances and family take precedence: But you must also feed your spirit as well. Even for just a few minutes a day can make a huge difference.

So, if you have that burning need to create? Get movin’. Those words won’t write themselves!