Writing is healing
With a pounding heart; a writer’s perspective
Some stories matter more than others.
They are stories that stir things up inside and give you a creative hangover.
These stories may not be the ones that make you break through on a professional level.
Yet, they play a transformative role in your own personal growth. They allow you to break through the next layer of whatever limitations you (or your surroundings) unconsciously have put on yourself.
You know the stories that lie heavy on the chest, roll around in your stomach and make your throat stuff up.
They expose a deeper sensitivity to an experience and it’s not until it’s out in the world that you can fully look at it objectively. Sigh. And finally, move on.
The act of writing matters
asked me in a recent note whether I write before the bandaid or after, to which I answered: There’s a twofold answer to this:
1) I write before to make sense of what is happening; get clarity of what to do and prepare for potential results
2) I write after to make sense of what happened; get clarity on what I did; and heal from the outcome
Writing is in this sense an art form. An externalization of your internal life from lived experiences, reflections, observations and emotions.
A writer powers through the combination of letters that paint up an imaginary scenario that may feel just as real as the paint on the painter’s brush.
Words, a way to concretise an abstract thought or emotion into something more tangible. Debatable. Shareable.
As long as the words and emotions remain locked up, we’ll forever feel alone in our own misery. Forget that there are others in the world who feel and think the same things. This very moment.
Because even though we all have different circumstances and experiences that make up our unique existence, we’re all just the same in the end: We’re human.
Humans in need for connection and exchange. You give me some words and I give you some back. Together we can better try to make sense of it all and untangle whatever hidden meaning that hides in between the lines.
So for whatever reason you write, the act of writing is always healing as it serves as the transition between the figurative to the literal, which in turn invite for deeper understanding of yourself and those around. A foundation to build bridges of connection and resonance.
Thanks for reading!
Elin, x
Did this resonate with you? Let’s build those bridges and help me share the message ❤️
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In the past 2 years, I’ve journaled more than I have in my entire life, writing helped me navigate some painful emotions I was feeling. It was so necessary for me to write to get those thoughts out of my mind and on paper. It helped me release those feelings, it helped me process those feelings. I know firsthand the healing power of writing.
"Words, a way to concretise an abstract thought or emotion into something more tangible. Debatable. Shareable."
Your words, Elin, do far more than resonate with me - they touch the core of an inner struggle that desperately wants to be let out into the light. Because I am (in your words) a human "in need for connection and exchange".
I avoided writing for various reasons. Mostly I thought I was not entitled to, but after taking the plunge into it I realised the only reason I did not dare to write was the fear of confronting myself. There is a piece I shared recently on my Substack of this very nature you're talking about - of releasing, of making visible that part of myself that dragged me down - how liberating this exposure feels now.
Thank you for putting yourself out here. It feels less lonely. Let's write and share.