Sometimes the best therapy is to just write. With every emotion possible pent up inside you, it’s hard not feel caged. Everyone needs an outlet. Along with meditation or prayer, what better way to release all your emotions than to capture your thoughts in a private journal?
There are times when we have no one to talk to, and the little voice in our head is replaying situations over and over, obsessing about every detail in excess. These are moments we want no one to hear for fear of judging eyes or jaded advice. The first priority should be to jot down every thought, question, and doubt. Clear your mind; take a deep breath. Step back and see it all in black and white. Take the time to make a decision, or choose to keep your thoughts locked in those pages. You can freeze everything until you are ready to tackle the moment of truth.
Our souls bleed and begin to take shape in writing. When that happens, the healing period begins. I think it’s a growing stage for us when we write our hurts down on paper…a chapter in the life of you, me, and the guy sitting alone on the train. And as time goes on, those written reflections/inflictions pass and the pain goes away. Maybe not completely, but at least the journey has begun.
Then, after a few days, weeks, months, or maybe years, something will come of your writings—something inspirational. Perhaps a heart-wrenching song, a biography of your trials and tribulations, or a riveting screenplay will proudly triumph in laying the past out for the world.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith comes to mind. A similar story of my family’s past struggles, for example, that brings to light that same kind of life can be beautiful at any pace, in any home, with anyone. There is a part in the novel—a small gesture, yet such poignant commentary about being human— that really struck a chord with me. Francie Nolan, the main character, leads a humble life. As poor as the Nolan’s are, Katie, Francie’s mother, allows the family three cups of coffee with milk a day. A luxury, Katie believes her daughter is entitled to throw her coffee down the drain because she feels it is good for poor people like themselves to be able to waste something. Highly biographical, the story is much like the story of Smith’s own life, both the hard and the happy times. The reader gets a glimpse into a chapter in Smith’s life through the eyes of Francie.
No matter where you are in life, your story, and any pain that comes with it, can be an inspiration. A motivational record to reinforce history and what we can do to change, interpret, and learn from it. Always know you don’t have to be alone. One day, someone might be reading your story, sharing in your pain, laughing alongside you, and celebrating your success.
The world looks forward to hearing your story.
Article originally posted on the VM Blog.
Misti Garritano is currently brainstorming over a nice cup o’ joe.