I recently wrote an article about writing through fear. I'm good at telling others how to use writing for their own healing and self-discovery but as the saying goes, "Physician, heal thyself." I realized there are issues I have resisted for years. Much easier to be unhappy than faced with an ugly truth.
So last night I confronted my own fears head on. And it wasn't much fun. But it worked. I felt lighter and empowered. I really felt like I could re-write my own story and leave the past behind right where it belongs.
Here's what I did:
1. To get through the resistance, write your resistance. I wrote, "I DO NOT want to be doing this. I'd rather be watching TV" and other similar things until I was past the initial block.
2. Have a conversation with yourself. "I am afraid... of what? I am afraid of.... yes, what?" Keep writing until you finally blurt out the truth.
3. Write down whatever words to pop into your head even if they didn't appear to make sense.
4. Write until you are tired of your own whining!
5. And here's the fun part... Get a different colored pen and flip your journal/paper upside down and write a new truth over the old one. Literally turn your fears or past on their head and write your future over it. (This idea occured to me while I was writing and it was what I needed. If you listen close enough to your subconscious you might come up with your own practical idea of how to heal yourself).
It was powerful to see my positive, forward looking words (in bright pink ink) obliterating the fears written beneath (in dull brown). I said, "This very moment is my future and the past is no more. I have the power to re-write my own story. I choose my future and I choose happiness.
Prompt: Write, "I'm afraid..." until you are so sick of your own whining that you have to stop. Then flip the book upside down and write over your fears, "The truth is..."
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For more information: To get you started on your journey of self-discovery, visit my blog for writing prompts and tips or to find an upcoming journaling workshop in Vermont. Customized, personal coaching also available in person or via email.
Registering now for "Re-INK Your Life!" workshops now in White River Junction, VT on June 26, including "Unblock your Creativity."
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