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Write in a place where you feel comfortable and
safe. I’ve used a spare room in my home, a bench in a park, a
quiet coffee shop.
Listen to comforting music as you write. I like
smooth jazz, but many people like pop instrumentals or classical
favorites.
Use props – photographs, recipes, keepsakes, even articles of
clothing. Set one in front of you to jog your memory as you write.
Be honest. No one is always the hero or heroine. We all have
flaws, and even villains have some good points. A balanced
story is more healing than one with cartoon-like characters.
Let the words flow. Don’t even think about editing yourself
until you’ve done a first draft. The real meaning of my stories
often appears at the very end, surprising me with an insight.
Set a timer for an hour and stop writing when it
goes off. Ruminating endlessly is not healing.
If you feel sad after writing, be kind to yourself.
Take a walk, play with a pet, have a cup of tea. And if your sadness
about the past interferes with your life, seek help from a
pastor or therapist.
At the end of each writing session, reflect on the
meaning of your words. What is the moral of your story
What message would you like to convey Write this at the bottom
of your piece.
Look for the positive aspects in your story. Even the
worst experiences can be turned into a work of art on the page that
heals your own soul and inspires others to go on when life is hard.
When you are ready, share your story with someone
you trust. You may find that your words evoke similar
memories in others. You will feel understood and help them to
heal as well.
A truly wonderful thing can happen when you write about your
life. You begin to see how miraculous it is just to have lived it.
Having the ability to look back and learn from events that used
to paralyze me emotionally has changed my life in ways I could
never have imagined. I write for a newspaper, teach memoir
writing at a community college, and belong to writing organizations
that support and encourage my work. Best of all, I know
that every event, whether happy or sad, has within it, an important
truth about being human and alive, a truth that grows in
beauty when shared.
I wish the same for you!
Linda C. Wisniewski writes for the Bucks County Herald and
teaches memoir workshops for Bucks County Community
College. Her first book, Off Kilter, has just been published by
Pearlsong Press and can be ordered through Amazon, your
local bookstore, or the publisher at
www.pearlsong.com/offkilter.htm. Visit Linda’s website at
www.lindawis.com. Contact Linda at Linda@phillyfitmagazine.com.
36 I PhillyFIT
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