Tuesday, July 7, 2015
A Story We Tell Ourselves
Everyone is a writer to some degree. Whether it is written upon our heart or etched into stone. Writing is not narrowed to grammar and punctuation. Truth as we see it, often lends itself to insight when just scribbled down. No red pens, no editing, just words ... lovely words, gently spoken to the soul. Virginia's Voice
The action of writing validates opinions, releases stress, and primes creative pumps. Whatever we jot down becomes a witness to our existence whether we throw it away or immediately burn it. We record our life in phrases, songs, poems, excerpts from books or primitive sketches. The emphasis is on the thought, and nothing more.
In early education, we are repeatedly instructed to write correctly ... proper use of grammar and appropriate punctuation. Emphasis is placed on structure, not on what we are expressing. Unfortunately, this practice carries over into the thoughts of adults.
Recently, a friend told me she could not write and I accepted her words. After a few minutes, I happened to remember this woman not only wrote a book but published it! We tell ourselves stories about what we can and cannot do, regardless of our skills.
Upon invitation, I encouraged a friend to attend a writers group. She agreed to attend, but clearly stated she did not know how to write or what to write about. Since then, she has created and published a CD (RESTORATIVE YOGA, available on Amazon), and is on the cusp of publishing the companion book. This from a woman who said she didn't write!
I can hear the unspoken words now, dismissing personal skills and interest while attributing these abilities only to others. The spectrum of writing is very broad and diverse. If we have one thought and jot that thought down, we are capable of writing. Whether it is on a computer, napkin or private journal, we all have words that can be written.
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