Can Writing Be Healing?

If you are reading this you are no doubt on your journey through the grieving process. I want to suggest no matter where you are on that journey, remembering there is no right or wrong way to grieve nor is there a time limit that writing can be healing.

Well you might say, “I’m not a writer” – but I challenge you to just jot your thoughts in a journal or a spiral notebook or what ever works for you.    Writing is a process just as grief is a process and remember no one has to read your thoughts if you want to keep them private, but in the act of doing sometimes we learn alot about ourselves, how we view our life, our loves, our challenges and our future.

I write in my journal often, I don’t plan what to write, I simply write about my day before I go to bed.  I find that if I let the pen lead I tend to write from my heart and not my head.  When I’m thinking too hard about what to write it is more contrived then when I even write words that express the day.

I wrote many things just after my husband died, I wrote about the week he was in the hospital and after he died I wrote about being mad that he left me and how that made me feel.  I wrote about my struggles and pondered what I would do next. It made me slow down and sort through my mixed feelings.

If you read the August newsletter I sent out, I asked for writing submissions from anyone who wanted to share a story  relating to their grief process.  I challenge you to share because often times you can help someone else who might be experiencing what you are going through.

The story I choose for September will receive  an autographed copy of the book “The Shack” & as a bonus a writing journal.

Email your submission to:  joanne@heartachetohealing.com

Include (optional)  your name, small photo and email address if you want the readers to be able to contact you.  You can also say “Anonymous” and I will leave off your name.

Please include you mailing address with your submission. Send by August 31st if possible for consideration for September.

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The Shack – A Story of Heartache To Healing

If you haven’t read the book, “The Shack”, I highly recommend it to everyone.  It is a loving story of a man’s journey through grief, faith and forgiveness.  He finds strength to  face his great sadness and come to a new understanding about life, love and beyond.   I don’t want to say more for those who haven’t read it yet, but it is a real page turner.

Today I had the honor of meeting the author, William Paul Young at a book signing event and later that evening to hear him speak.  His personal story is incredible in that he started out to write a short story for his kids… Mr. Young refers to his story as a “God thing” and what a story it is.

I believe  Paul Young will help many with this story of  heartache to healing.  He is an inspiration at a time when people want hope and to believe again.

Paul Young & Me

Signing Book

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Why do we regress during the holidays?

Holiday time is all about regression, we think alot about the past, what was and those loved ones no longer here that we celebrated the holidays with, this is why holiday time can be so difficult.

Family will often stop you from grieving during this time because they don’t want you to be sad so they won’t bring up the loved one that died. So often times its easier  to be with friends who will let you talk about the great times you had with your deceased loved one. Talking is a part of grieving and just know that especially during the holiday season you moods might wave up and down because you should feel a longing for the ones that are no longer with you.  Just  know you will get through this time of year and you will even laugh and find joy.  You might even feel guilt for being happy instead of being grief ridden – many people experience this too.  Just know you will get through the holiday season as long as you feel hope and love from those you surround yourself with.

Wishing each one of you much joy during this holiday season.

in love & hope,  JoAnne

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What Do You Fear From Loss?

We all have fear surrounding the death of a loved one, and I think addressing those fears will help you in the grieving and healing process.

After the death of my husband, some of my fears were as follows, please send me your comments in the space below as to what were or are your fears?

• How will I ever get over this overwhelming sadness
• Unbelieving that he is actually gone
• How will my life go on without him
• How will I manage our business
• How will I financially make it

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Lessons From Loss are Lessons in Living Life

There are many lessons I have learned through loss, and I am coming to understand now that I probably knew these lessons all along, in other words they were within me, my core, who I am. However it took the tragedy of loss for me to remember those lessons and have the courage to take action and affirm how precious life is. I am not here to dwell on loss but rather support you in life.

Healing a broken heart can be done with time, courage and the desire to heal. Going through the grieving process and healing comes from within but we are not meant to walk the journey alone. Asking for the support of family and friends is necessary and perhaps spiritual healing from clergy or any spiritual advisor. From whomever gives you comfort, they too will help you to living life again.

Loss can bring clarity to your life and to the things that matter most, don’t ignore that. There is no going back for a do over, but there is another day to live a life of joy. Take each day as it comes, be grateful for where you are and what you have NOW, and be open to new possibilities. You can’t change the past, but you can direct the wind in your sails for the future.

For an inspirational read about the true value of living life, Please take the time to read - “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”
–Randy Pausch

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