Each of us feels strong emotions from time to time, and thankfully we have an outlet. Writing.
There's something therapeutic about opening up a weathered journal, or a blank document, and pouring our hearts out. The words can be added to a manuscript, or they can be for our eyes only. Either way, writing through our strong emotions can act like warm stones on sore muscles.
When we're feeling happy
When we're feeling hopeful
When we're feeling nervous
When we're feeling confused
When we're feeling angry
When we're feeling sorrow
When we're feeling regret
When we're feeling thankful
Sometimes my mind resembles a kaleidoscope of jumbled thoughts and emotions. But when I sit down with a pen, or with my fingers hovered above the keyboard, my feelings become organized. Conflicting thoughts sort themselves out, and life becomes a wee bit clearer. Just the simple act of writing through a happy, confusing, or difficult time makes me feel lighter and more relaxed. Until the next time.
How about you? Has writing helped you through an emotional time? Did anyone else see your words, or did you keep them to yourself?
Yes, expressing deep feelings through a fictional character (or acting one in a play) or poetry can be very therapeutic.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I keep my writing private and other times public - or disguised in a poem's underlying meaning.
"Warm stones on sore muscles"! I love that! As writer's we're lucky we have that outlet. I'm sure we've all poured it out on paper/screen. And eventually I delete it - if it's intensely personal. It's probably a better idea to pour that into a character, huh?
ReplyDeleteNot really emotional time or anything, but I undertstand what you mean about focusing.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! I'm a wreck when I'm not writing or editing. It helps so much!
ReplyDeleteThe urge to write always strikes whenever something evokes a strong emotion in me. And wow, does that massage look good. :D
ReplyDeleteI think it would help me. But right now the emotional angst I felt as a child and teen comes out. Free counseling. :)
ReplyDeleteWriting is definitely an outlet for all kinds of emotions - that's part of the fun! :)
ReplyDeleteWriting something that turns out pretty well makes me feel emotionally good because that's when writing is fun.
ReplyDeleteAnn Best, Author of In the Mirror, A Memoir of Shattered Secrets
Yes. I get through emotions daily with writing. Some have been in the form of blog posts or poems. Sometimes a character of mine has a similar experience. But, there are times when I write it out, then hit delete, delete, delete!
ReplyDeleteWriting has definitely helped me through the most difficult times of my life. When my grandma passed I wrote up something and shared it with my family.
ReplyDeleteOther times, I'll just work on my book to get my mind off of things. After all, how can you think about everything else when your character's life is in your hands?
I find writing helps, and when sometimes I feel like nothing I could write for my book will help me I'll email my best friend and she's always there to help me.
Great post!
Always,
Lindsey
There's definitely a sense of catharsis that comes from writing. Especially when it's that raw initial draft. Or many times for me, when the emotions are extreme, I've turned to poetry to sort them out.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys for your honest, heartfelt comments!
ReplyDeleteWhether I share my writing or not, it always helps. One of my favorites was poem I wrote that was way out of my genre. I still read it from time to time to remind myself Life Is Good.
ReplyDeleteWriting is my own private island - with a golf course - and cabana boys.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely and my first published poems were very therapeutic. Writing itself helps me with everyday angst but something bigger is best brought out in poetry or listening to Joyce Mayer :)
ReplyDeleteI think I tend to be most motivated to write when I'm feeling lonely. Weird, but true!
ReplyDeleteWriting is helping me through a difficult time even as a type this. My son is bedfast for 3 months, post surgery, and as a paraplegic, this is even harder for him than his usual life-challenges.
ReplyDeleteWhen I have a few minutes away from 24/7 caregiving, I am thankful to touch bases with blogging friends as I have no other family around here. So, yes, writing is definitely helping. :)
Oh yeah, writing carried me through a real rough patch several years back. It was a place where I could find my sanity...if that makes sense.
ReplyDeletethis is really great :)
ReplyDeleteWriting through my anger and the deleting it has probably saved me from being sued a time or two :)
ReplyDeleteHey guys, thanks for your thoughtful comments. I'd have to say, writing things down and then deleting them has been a great way for me to vent, without upsetting anyone else :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely comparison, Julie. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteHi, Julie. Hmmm? I bet writing did help, but I simply never noticed that that was what was either being achieved or needed, emotionally speaking. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting.
Writing has always been something I do when feeling down. Growing up I wrote in lots of journals and now I pour some of my emotions into my characters.
ReplyDeleteLike warm stones on sore muscles...ahhh! Yes, writing is very therapeutic. Journaling whether it be just documenting my day or things I've observed, or really pouring my heart out so that nobody else can see...gives me a better focus...calms me and helps me to sift through and sometimes solve a problem. I like your idea of venting then deleting! Wise!
ReplyDeleteAt my most emotional times, writing pours out of me. I don't even realize what time it is. Whereas when I'm calm, I'm mindful of how much I've written and what time it is.
ReplyDeleteIt is cathartic to type or write away.
for me...this works so well. Writing from my emotions good ones or not....makes my words come alive so much more. And my words have been read by others....
ReplyDeleteThe moment I saw that picture of the hot stone massage I was transported. Ahhhh. That would feel so good right now! Yes, absolutely I find writing the outlet for my emotions. I don't think of myself as a poet, but when my emotions are overwhelming, they come out in poetry. It's amazing how healing that is!
ReplyDeleteI agree about the hot stone massage. That looks enticing at the moment!
ReplyDeleteNope I write for fun and only do it when I am in a good mood... never used it for therapy, but I could see how it would work.
ReplyDeleteYep, writing has helped me, at times, through rough patches of life. Those writings are just for me to see.
ReplyDelete