Author of Our Own Life

If you do not breathe through writing,

if you do not cry out in writing,

or sing in writing,

then don't write,

because our culture has no use for it.

Anais Nin

Writing can be very intimidating, but it also can be very freeing. I am most attracted to personal writing as we are author of our own life.  We live according to what we personally perceive, sense, intuit, experience, and believe.  We react and act through our own personal filters.  The written word gives testimony of life itself.

Our writing can be:  lists, notes, diaries, letters, journals, articles, or books to name but a few.  Some insist upon the hand written word with special pens, where as others exclusively use a computer. People use spiral notebooks, composition books, fine linen stationary or keep files on their computer.   I believe writers need to honor the method that works best for them.

Many people have said to me, "I want to write, but I don't have the skill." If we are alive, we have something worth sharing and we don't need a special skill!  I encourage others to write just for personal pleasure rather than trying to perfect words for publication.  In time, a writer may or may not want to broaden the audience.

Giving testimony of our life can be a liberation from the past or self-imposed limitations.  Our words placed into a safe place can be a wonderful mental health remedy.  We can scream, laugh, and express any and every emotion that is otherwise held within causing stress, anxiety or disease. 

As the author of our own life, what we write definitely helps our selves, but also can benefit others.  By sharing a personal story encouragement can be offered to others.  The reporting of a struggle can inspire an other to seek help or not feel so alone.  To use the voice to speak truth, those who hear can stretch and grow. 

My passion is the written word.  If I can touch but one life with my words, my mission has been fulfilled.