Can Writing Really Save Your Life?
"Writing gives perspective and restores sanity.
Writing is a lifeline as well as a record.
Writing saves lives.
Do not underestimate its power."
Writing is a lifeline as well as a record.
Writing saves lives.
Do not underestimate its power."
~B. Lynn Goodwin
If you believe writing is vital to well-being, especially if you are someone who regularly takes care of others, please join me today at my other blog, Awakened Living. I'm hosting a very special guest, Lynne Goodwin, the author of You Want Me to Do What? Journaling for Caregivers.
She's speaking to us about replenishing our wells through writing and giving us some writing prompts to start the flow. And there is a Book Giveaway, too! So, c'mon over and share your heart!
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36 comments:
Thanks for posting this here, Jan. I love the illustration, and I'd love to read what the woman is writing.
Take care,
B. Lynn Goodwin
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
writing... i stopped underestimating its power years ago... we are all caretakers in one way or another, caretakers of others, caretakers of ourselves... writing is many things for me... cathartic, restorative, ruminating, introspective, reflective, emotional, thoughtful, insightful and so so much more...
What a great list of the powers of journaling. Thanks so much for saying this.
You are exactly right when you say "we are all caretakers in one way or another, caretakers of others, caretakers of ourselves..." I can tell you are a wise woman.
If you ever want to share your 15-1500 words of your journaling, I'd be happy to read it and tell you what stays with me.
Thanks so much for posting here.
Take care,
Lynn
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
Hi Jan .. I wrote a long comment - took me quite a long time .. and it hasn't appeared yet - on your other blog .. perhaps I'm too hasty! Is it moderated? - this one isn't I think ...
We'll see .. if not tomorrow ..
Love H - am off to a film society film ...
Joanne,
Thanks for reminding us not to underestimate the power of the word. I am so happy that writing is such a powerful influence and gateway for you. Hugs!
Hilary,
The comment has not come through. Will you try again? So sorry about that! No, neither blogs are moderated. Darn!
Hi Jan ..now I'm stressed and irritated .. I nearly copied it - but didn't .. going out now - it took me half an hour or so .. this is my gripe time!!! No - bother - I'll do it again tomorrow - too tired now - had a busy day up at Mum's .. let alone here trying to work out FB and Twitter for PatriciasWisdom and her UNICEF goal for Harvest Potluck fundraising.
Flattened .. and now the brain is going to a minimalist (thought provoking) film .. can the brain rest?
I have yet to look up a "Clerihew" .. need that for my mother tomorrow - bye for now - I'm happy!! H
Hilary,
The gamut of emotions in this post is fabulous. Though it's not what you intended to send, it's a great demonstration of pouring your frustrations out onto the page. I love the way you go from stressed to happy in 118 words. Wow. You cut straight to the heart of the matter and I get a good sense of who you are and how much you do. Your voice is strong. Thanks for sharing this!
Take care and I look forward to reading more tomorrow,
Lynn
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
Hi Lynn .. you're sneaking in and taking a peak at the character before she can tell her story!!
I was about to say my twittering should be good - then suddenly realised it was words v characters - some difference!
It was entirely what I wanted to say .. just hope you picked up the bit about "No --- bother (genteel swearword) --- I'll do it again tomorrow": sans malice, just inward resignedness (if that's a word?!).
Went to the film and it made me cry - it made me think of something my Mum said today - a few things recently she's been saying, having withheld those thoughts or words for so long - it tears at the soul.
& I looked up Clerihew .. and that's a bit of a brainer too ...
From this blog - bye for now!
I love this title! And yes, I believe it.
xo
I'm glad you went to the film, Hilary. What did you see?
If you looked up clerihew, I wonder if you are a poet.
I look forward to reading what you write tomorrow.
Lynn
Thanks, Christina. People who like the title usually see the value in this book.
Take care,
Lynn
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
Nothing like a give-away to replenish a well.
But something tells me I'm 'waay late.
xo
Hi again Hilary,
Glad you found some time to comment again. I wonder, do you have any specific questions about caregiving for Lynn, knowing that you are your mom's caregiver? By the way, I'd try commenting again at the other site so others can try to read your comments. There should be no problem there, perhaps just save a draft of your work before you post...Glad you had a nice evening away from the house.
Jannie,
Never too late. This post and the giveaway will be up through Friday.
It is interesting to keep being reminded about the power of journaling. I have never kept a diary, writing seems cumbersome to me, I rather talk my thoughts through now I have a partner who can cope.
Hmm, writing is worth reconsidering though seeing all the comments here.
I have been journaling for several years now and I must say it has "saved my life" many times.
Whenever I feel, alone, afraid, angry, joyful, peaceful, thankful and esp. when my feelings are all mixed up; my pages of writing seem to sort all these out for me.
This process of writing has been one of the best "self-care" things I've ever done.
The process of writing in a journal has even improved my closest relationships. I am much more thoughtful in my responses to people when I speak now(say it how I mean it so I don't have to "erase" it later)
Thanks for being here, Lynn!
Thank you, Jan,.... for everything!
Talking is good, Wilma, but many people go much deeper when they write. Why not give it a try for 3 days and see if it works for you?
Jannie, it's never too late. I like the idea that the book giveaway replenishes the well.
Lynn
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
I am delighted to be here, Julie. We couldn't ask for a better endorsement of the process than "...when my feelings are all mixed up; my pages of writing seem to sort all these out for me."
Today I feel thrilled to have found so many like-minded women.
Take care,
B. Lynn Goodwin
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
I so agree that writing is filled with healing powers. It can almost be meditative. Sometimes while writing, you receive answers and or perspective to problems or issues that you're dealing with. I write frequently and find it very therapeutic. Blessings. Love and Light, Nina P
Hi Lynn thanks .. I saw an American film "Wendy and Lucy" .. Lucy is a dog, Wendy is early 20s I guess, has 'no money' enough to get her to Alaska; she's driving; car breaks down .. for some reason she walks out of a store with dog food (little) - but the store has a policy of getting the police. While it's all processing it takes long time and she is fined, but Lucy has disappeared.
When she finds Lucy .. she's been 'fostered' and is obviously better looked after there - food and care .. so Wendy goes on off to Alaska on foot and the railroad .. the car is irrepairable.
What floored me was that my Mum, when I'd kissed her, said goodbye and look after yourself - for the first time she said "how do you expect me to do that?" - heavens above - how poignant is that .. I'm welling up now. These few phrases are so difficult to deal with - Mum has only just started saying these "odd" phrases now ..
Also I gave my dog away in South Africa, as I'd got divorced, and knew that my lifestyle - lots of squash games - couldn't include a dog ..
So it was a very minimalist style film .. very quiet and normal type of life for some people - just portrayed on the screen - it was lovely ...
Clerihew .. no - no poet .. just something that I and my Mum would be interested to know more about - and Innis (a cousin) wrote to us about Clerihews!!
@Jan .. thanks - no specific questions I think .. I'm coping more easily, and better than most - just because of who I am etc
I'll be over there anon ..
Will hop over to your other blog for a visit -- sounds like something I need to read! Thanks!
Wilma,
I was and still am a reluctant journaler. I find I journal in seasons. I write longer entries in the summer or when I am at the beach. I write shorter ones on "work days," often just a note or two about something I am thinking about or feeling...Lynn's 3 prompts are very powerful. I hope you will give them a try.
Julie,
I agree that journaling is definitely positive self-care. It sure was for me many years ago. You are so faithful to this process and I really commend you. As a result, it's obvious you have had amazing growth. Write on!
Nina,
Writing does bring such clarity. I am still amazed how I might come to the computer feeling one way, then when the words start to flow everything changes, especially for the better. A mood can life, things seem brighter, more possible. Writing brings ease, for sure! So glad you put your heart into words for the rest of us to benefit from. :-)
Hilary,
It does sound as if you have a good sense of balance in your life—caretaking and also taking good care of you through many enjoyable outlets. I am so glad.
The movie sounds like my cup of tea. I love films like this. Thank you for the lead. I will check it out. Nice little glimpses into your life too. Thank you for sharing them. It helps us to know you better. Give MUM a hug for us.
Hi Jan!
Writing has not only saved my life, it IS my life! I'm a journal junkie. It's ok. Don't nobody go sending me to detox! I'll be sure to visit Lynn's.
Nina, you are exactly right when you say "Sometimes while writing, you receive answers and or perspective to problems or issues that you're dealing with."
At night, I will often ask for guidance on a particular issue. I write the request in my journal and when I pick it up in the morning and begin writing, I usually see things in a new light.
I am so glad you are a regular writer. Thanks for sharing this.
Lynn
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
Hilary, I saw "Wendy and Lucy" a few months ago. Great movie. Thanks for sharing.
Lynn
"Journaling junkie" is a fabulous term, SuZen. No rehab for you. No way!
Do you ever take the parts of your journal that have energy and use them in personal essays or stories?
Lynn
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
"Journaling junkie" is a fabulous term, SuZen. No rehab for you. No way!
Do you ever take the parts of your journal that have energy and use them in personal essays or stories?
Lynn
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
Hi Lynn and Jan .. I have just posted .. it is long - and I have a copy in Word this time!! Hilary
Hilary,
It didn't show up again! So glad you saved it though. Why don't you send it me via e-mail and I will post it for you. Ok? jan@awakenedliving.com
xo
Lynn,
You should check out SuZens site today. She does have a "story" there that she crafted from daily experience. I just loved it. :-)
Jan, good idea. Thanks!
SuZen, I would love to visit your blog, but I can't find the URL. I looked on the blogger info, and if it's there I missed it. Can you help me out?
Lynn
For those of you who want to know more about Hilary and her journey, visit www.awakenedliving.com. She created a lengthy comment for all of us to read. As you may know, she is caregiving her aging mother. Read on!
Writing online and a hand written journal has been a blessing for me for many years.
Yes, we go much deeper when our fingers do the talking. I type away and they have a mind of their own. I read my journals of many years and I smile and realize in some ways I have grown and in another way still the same. What I see now is more calmness and living in the moment.
One Woman,
Another woman who has journaled her way to wholeness. Love it! Were you able to read it? There is something very visceral about putting pen to paper and feeling our way through our emotions, eh? xo
One Woman's Journey,
Congratulations on your "calmness and living in the moment." What you've written here shows your appreciation of journaling. Excellent!
Lynn
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
Thanks Jan and Lynn .. and now I've learnt .. this box only holds 4,000 characters and a few words!! otherwise it'll eat our post!
Have good days everyone - bye ..
Chiming back in here. Have had computer glitches for most of the week. I notice some have had blogger glitches too.
I loved this post, Jan. Lynn it is a pleasure to meet you. Did leave a post a while ago - and was beautifully answered. Thank you both.
I was interested in One Woman's Journey's comment. Looking back over her journals and seeing changes, but yet the same person. I hadn't thought about that. I look back and see a younger me, but somehow more "with it" than I am today. I feel as if I've strayed off my path.
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