Why writing from heartache matters

People know I'm an advocate for writing through heartache. Perhaps some might feel I have nothing better to do than to harp on how healing it is to pour words onto paper. But the truth is, I wouldn't be ringing the writing bell if writing hadn't been such a friend to me. Friend? Writing was more than a friend. When my son Daniel died, writing saved me.

I wrote of agony and listlessness, of tears and heartbreak. I wrote under a weeping willow tree until it became too dark to see. As I went through my motherhood tasks minus a child and about to give birth to another, I found respite in the dark days knowing that there would be time for me at the end of the day----time to head to a park and write. Nothing was taboo within the pages of my journal. I wrote freely and honestly. I wanted to shed the tight skin that choked me with despair and dread.

And as I wrote, I found nuggets of hope, reasons to be grateful in spite of my loss, and new discoveries about myself. My journal held it all---not telling a soul. Her secret-keeping capacities gave me permission to write openly. The only way my journal was read was when I choose to share parts of my entries with my husband or a friend.

Among the many benefits of writing, is the ability to gain wisdom and beauty from your own words. The broken heart produces lovely poetry, raw, but real. The crushed spirit cries out and views the world through new lenses, allowing for less judgement of others, and more acceptance and forgiveness of self.

Over the years, not only have I taken ideas from my journal and formed them into articles and poems for publications, but I've incorporated bits of grief and loss in all four of my Southern novels. When someone reads something I've written and writes to tell me what it meant to him or her, I know it is because I do not shy away from expressing the pain in my own heart.

Writing not only heals us, but our words also help others. And then we are blessed that we've been able to bring some solace to those around us. It's a mini cycle, a good one, like a circle of love.

Much beauty has emerged from a heart that has been crushed. Don't be afraid to let that beauty shine in your works of writing from the heart. You will be inspired at how writing can become a brave new friend.

Join me at the Hospice of Frankfort in Frankfort, Kentucky, on November 5th for an all-day writing workshop, "Writing through Life's Losses". We will give particular focus to getting through the holiday season when each day may be a struggle due to grief and loss.
To sign up and read details, head over here.

~ Alice J. Wisler

YouTube!

So I decided I'd do what others have done and create a writing video for YouTube. I used photos either Carl or I had taken and music from Enya. Please take three minutes of your time to click on this link and view my lastest work, What do I get out of it? Hopefully, you'll be convinced that writing from heartache is healing and has many benefits.

Pamper Yourself this July!

Last year I took a leap of faith and hosted two all-day grief writing workshops in North Carolina. I've taught my "Writing the Heartache" Workshops at other people's seminars, but never on my own where I was responsible for locating the venue, serving lunch, advertising, etc.

I'm happy to announce that this summer I will offer another all-day workshop in Raleigh, NC. "Gateway Through Life's Losses" will be held at the Raleigh-Cary, NC Hampton Inn and Suites' Capital~Piedmont Room on July 30th from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.

This is a workshop for anyone who wants to write from any kind of loss (divorce, death of a loved one, financial, etc.) or from broken relationships. The grief/loss scope is wide.

Writing therapy is a wonderful gift you can give to yourself this summer! One of the participants from last year said that she had taken care of so many, now it was time to take care of herself and pamper herself with the workshop.

I've created a page on my website with all the details.

Please spread the word to all your friends and family in this area who could benefit from a day of healing, health, and hope.