Received this in my mailbox today and it expresses so well the reasons I joined up for NaNoWriMo again, I opted to cut and paste instead of write my own post :) And it gives me an opportunity to put in a positive plug for "Daily OM" from whom I received these words, and whose daily messages have been a part of my online life for a very long time:
Personal Tales
Writing Your Story
Everyone, at one time or another, has wanted to express his or her story. Writing a memoir to read privately, share with family or friends, or publish is an emotionally satisfying way to gain perspective on your experiences while sharing your unique voice. We’ve all experienced feelings and events in our lives that we are longing to write down. Giving in to that urge can give you an outlet for purging any frustration, anxiety, or long-dormant feelings. No one else has to read it. You may even want to write your story without reading it right away. Satisfying the need to tell your story is not predicated upon your writing ability. It does, however take effort to write down the truth in detail. Your memories, captured on paper as descriptive scenes, sights, sounds, and scents, may at first seem disconnected or incomplete. But rest assured that you possess the ability to shape your recollections into stories.
Everyone wants to be heard. Reading your story to others can meet that need. Writing your story can also help you understand your life experiences. And when you finish writing, you may be surprised at what you have accomplished. Your story can encompass as much or as little of your life as you prefer. You may surprise yourself with new insights, or you may find yourself exploring your roots, your identity, and your future through your words. Allow your writing to guide you and write as truthfully as possible. Don’t worry about what others will think of your personal journey, your style of writing, or your words.
Research has shown that writing a personal narrative filled with feelings and perceptions can create long-term health benefits. As you write, remember to have compassion for yourself, particularly when writing about traumatic events. If you are a young person, you can add to your life story as you grow older. Your writing may help family members know you better, or they may understand themselves more through reading about your experiences. More importantly, you are expressing yourself in a permanent way, giving a gift to yourself, and letting your voice be heard.
2 comments:
You are so right, writing is such a great outlet. I have so many journals. Can you tell us more about NaNoWriMo.
Thank you so much for sharing! How often do you find you want to tell somebody something but the words simply won't come out of your mouth? Then, the pen really does become mightier than the sword. Putting words on paper allows you to purge your inner most thoughts to give relief. As the article mentions, only you need read those words or you can allow others to experience the thoughts and feelings expressed so that they in their way can also emphathise with you and therefore see that they are not alone.
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