The Write Way Out

Looks like a typo doesn’t it? But it is a truth. You can write yourself out of any problem or issue.

Oh I know you are thinking she is going to tell me to keep a journal or write a letter. Yes, I am, but hopefully in a way that helps you see it more as a light in the dark. So read on and let’s see where this goes.

First thing, another truth, I am an inconsistent writer and blogger. I have been known to go months without something to share. Why? Well I want what I say to have substance, to connect to at least one other person out there and have them say “Wow that is me too. “ I wish others to see me as intelligent and witty. But hang on a second, is that not ego talking?

Yes, yes it is. I grew up with parents that strongly believed the ability to read the written word was the doorstep to greatness. I was often praised for the amount I read and as a young child I found it an escape from the other darker unhappier things that came to me. I place a high standard when it comes to what I read and write. Words hold so much power.

Words have changed our world. Think of all the great speeches ever made, someone wrote them down first. Think about all the archeologists that dig for years to find that small piece of stone with markings and the years spent on trying to decipher the meaning. Think of all the battles where the plan was written out, or the tenuous peace we strive for through treaties and documents. Think about all the great advances in the sciences that have been written down, shared and built upon. Think about epics like the Iliad, Beowulf, Tom Sawyer or even Star Wars that inspire others.

Consider how still in some places in this world, the ability to communicate with the written word is a privilege granted only to a few and how some have only been given the ability to learn how to in the recent history. I tend to think back to the middle ages where only priests and royalty learned to write. But still the populace found ways through symbols to share what they needed to.

But what does this mean in regards to your title Mary? How am I going to write my way out of what I am dealing with?

You are already writing. That email to a boss or client to have a product or service move forward, a shopping list to get what is good and healthy for your family, that quick twitter post to let people know what you are feeling. Every time you write it down you are releasing a form of energy, sharing a part of who you are and you don’t even know it. So why are we not writing to ourselves?

We don’t because of fear. When you write it down it is out there. It is tangible and you have to face it. I find, particularly at this time of year, writing in my journal is hard. It makes me face hard memories, personal failings and a lack of trust in myself. I have to work at it. I don’t like a lot of what I write for me, but it is healing and find my own answers when I read back. Some days it is pages, some days it is only a few words of an idle thought. Yes, I would prefer all of my personal writings to be inspiring and uplifting, full of love and light. I would love to share that person more with the world at large. But one is giving way to the other and personal writing helps keep my balance. You could almost say it is a place for my demons to go to sleep.

As I write for me, my ego lets go and fear lifts off my shoulders. It helps me face the hard things and see myself more of a person with thoughts, ideas and feelings. I find the value of being me. The negatives turn to positives with time and I see not only myself, put others in my life from new perspectives. I find I am more forgiving, not only of myself but of others. I open myself to more love and understanding by releasing things that hold me down or dwell too long in my thoughts.

The point of it all is that if you have been given the ability to write, you should for you in some small way. It is a path of self-discovery that may seem at times to be pulling you further into a dark hole but is in reality clearing the dirt and dust from that golden treasure that is uniquely you. A few words, every day that can be folded up into your pocket is a great way to start. Maybe treat yourself to a beautiful journal and pen to get you going. What you write about can be small to the world at large, but it will hold meaning for you. Don’t let fear and ego hold you back. Do it for you and no one else.

Write your way out.