Thursday, September 18, 2014

Blogging (and All Writing) is Good for You

Did you see this article? My friend (the multi-talented photographer, writer, painter and actress) Diane Walker shared it with me. It's true, for me and many others I know, who have written and blogged their way through some of the darkest times of their lives.

Writing is also a wonderful way to express joy and gratitude, and that is therapeutic as well. What is your form of self-expression? Is it painting, theater, gardening, singing, dance, running, drawing, sports? What do you do when you're at the boiling point? What do you do when you're overflowing with joy?

The important thing - in my opinion - is not to keep grief or anger bottled up, under pressure, but to find a constructive expression - a way to let it out that does no harm to you or others. There are times when expressing the deepest, darkest, most powerful feelings can bring healing to me and to others. Very simply put: when I share my feelings, others know that they are not alone. When you tell me that something I write resonates with you, I know that I am not alone.
I found this gem at a 2nd hand store - the Children's Hospital Bargain Boutique on Bainbridge Island - when we were out taking a walk before a dinner date. It is the original 1961 English translation of the French classic (which was written in the 1930s). It is considered the definitive encyclopedia of gastronomic science and history. So exciting!
In recent days, I have been spending my writing energy on the "Morning Pages" for the Artist's Way. My back is slowly recovering strength. I have had two root canal procedures which have kept me from feeling tip-top, but have forced me to rest, allowing my back to heal further. In the near future, there is the Ben Towne Foundation Benefit, and then a two-day minor surgery to remove a "beauty mark" (I prefer to think of it as a "beauty mark" rather than a "mole") and a skin graft to repair the area. After that, I will be keeping quiet for a few more weeks, and looking forward to a more active life after recovering. Meanwhile, the view from here is always changing...
This ship belongs to the cruise line for which David is working. It sails in and out of our town's harbor about once a week in the warm months.
Bird prints on our beach
Summer moonrise
Dramatic moonrise
Double rainbow in the midst of a summer shower
Wishing you a happy weekend!

3 comments:

Ellen said...

Good morning Karen....sorry about the back problem but hoping it heals soon. I went to the link you shared and of course recognized myself in why I write. I have to admit I haven't been doing as much as I would like to which can be frustrating (too much going on of late) but my fingers ache to hit the keys on my computer.

To write is truly a release and it is just as healing for me to reread what I have written to further understand my thoughts that poured out.

Take care...my son now lives up your way going to college...a new step in our life as empty nesters.

Gberger said...

Dear Ellen,
So good to hear from you! I hope your son is happy up here, and that you are adjusting well to "empty nesting." We have found that it isn't an empty life - and as you may know, David comes and goes freely, now that he has graduated. Wishing you all goodness and fulfillment in this new phase!

Unknown said...

Hi Karen - this is a word of encouragement to me - blogging is an important way for me to reach out and I have been sadly neglectful this past summer. Thank you for the reminder!