Most people write for some reason. They have something to say or share. They want to help others. Or let’s be honest some want to make money. For the majority of writers I’ve met, however, it’s because they are trying to heal some part of themselves.

Everyone has a story. You hear it all the time. That’s because it’s true. There are a thousand ways we experience life. Most of us don’t escape some kind of trauma. Grief is a big one. That’s because the end is inevitable for us all. It chases us around. Inevitably, we either lose someone or we spend time fearing death.

For me, my story is a lot of tragedy, trauma, and pain. I had a hard childhood. I experienced the worst kind of grief when I lost my twin at fifteen. I wasn’t built well for any of it. Not then anyway. What child is.

Like many, I ended up in therapy. One particular therapist recommended I write out my feelings. A common recommendation and for good reason. We all run around with weight on us from our past. Writing is one simple way to take some off.

Over ten years, I wrote what would roughly become my first book. An absolute disaster of emotional draff. It will never be a book capable of publishing. However, I did eventually take pieces of it and put that into a book I did get published.

More than that, it helped me heal some. Which as anyone can tell you that when it comes to grief and trauma that is a huge accomplishment in itself. Especially since writing, unlike therapy in my country, is free.

What do you write to help you heal?

First, the beauty of writing, is there is no rules. Who am I to tell you what you should write to help you heal from your trauma? That said, I can tell you what I was told and what helped me. Here’s a list of ideas for just that.

1. Journaling
   • Often daily writing about your thoughts and feelings.
2. Free writing
   • Write whatever comes to your mind with no order, plan or even sense. Some even write without punctuation.
3. Writing Prompts for shadow work
   • Shadow work is simply working through traumas you experienced in your past. Often in childhood. There are tons of free prompts out there. It’s hard but healing.
4. Letters to your child self
   • What would you say to yourself in your worst moments of your childhood? Write them down.
5. A gratitude list
   • Write something you’re grateful for every day.
6. A fictional story version of your pain that ends the way you want it to
   • You have the power to change your ending. Even if it’s fiction.
7. Mantras
   • “I am happy, I am healthy, God is good” is an example of a mantra. Write your own or find them online. Write them every day while you feel them.
8. A short story (fiction or non-fiction) about your trauma
   • Sometimes just getting it out of your head and putting it down somewhere can be incredibly healing.
9. A book, memoir or biography (fiction or non-fiction) about your trauma and/or life
   • Each has it’s rules and organization but all can be very healing and help teach others the lessons you’ve learned.
10. A blog of your healing journey
    • Write daily or weekly articles (like this one) on what you learn as you learn it to help yourself and others along the way.
11. A newsletter of your healing journey
    • Similar to a blog but only sent to those who subscribe.

These are just some of the ideas out there. There are many more. Explore your healing journey. Decide what might help you.

Either way, I thank you for letting me be a part of your learning journey. I look forward to learning with you next time.

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