Writing as Therapy

I love writing, but (smile) I have also needed therapy in my life. I'm not sure if there are any other writers out there who have had to visit a shrink, but I'd like to think that I'm not alone.

What I've learned from a few great (and not so great) therapists is that they may not have the answers either. They may give you direction, suggestions, they may even tell you what's not working in your life and what you can do to change your situation, but they can't do it for you.

Photo by Tony Hall, courtesy of Flickr

Therapists are expensive, too, When I went, therapy ran between $25 and $50 an hour; I'm sure, some 20 years later, it's spiked a bit higher. Though it cost me, for the most part, I gained from the experience. I learned more about myself and more about relating better to certain individuals in my life.

It was soon after the therapy experience that I learned the power of writing my feelings down. I realized that writing was just as powerful as speaking, and I would often find myself solving my own problems with a bit of reflection and an open heart to God.

Perhaps that's why I continue to keep a journal today. Even when it hurts, and especially when it hurts, I can get my feelings down on paper. Words written down never go away unless there's a flood or some other natural disaster; the words are there the next time I am struggling and I am reminded that this is what life is all about. Yes, it's about struggling, but it's also about overcoming and becoming better. And I read those too.

Some days writing is the only thing that keeps me going. And on other days, I am filled with knowledge and direction almost too powerful to write about.

But I do.

"The Secret to Having it all..."

"The secret to having it all is Believing that you do."

This quote sits above my computer on my office windowsill. I see it every day as I write, mentor, edit, blog and do the many numerous tasks expected of a professional writer. But sometimes, more often than I like to admit, I don't feel professional.

I feel overwhelmed.
Under-appreciated.
Taxed.
Invisible.
Not understood.

The list could go on and usually does. What it takes from me is a shift in my thinking, what some might call a "reality check." Instead of feeling overwhelmed, it's easier to take a break and do something off my usual "beaten track," for example.

Today I chose out of a free seminar. I think my brain is still trying to digest the wisdom I learned from last week's lessons. But I had to tell myself that it was okay to miss it. What I am finding is that the more I open myself to new ideas and new adventures, the more that come!

Am I always ready to take them in?

Photo by Jill Clardy, courtesy of Flickr

Nope.

Could it be that life ebbs, flows and peaks  like a great ocean? Some days are going to be superb highs, others, introspective lows as the ocean waves slide into shore after a great cresting wave. Perhaps life isn't really about balance anyway, but an opportunity to experience life with all of its force as well as its penetrating silence.

Truly, I have all that I need.