"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect."
-Anaïs Nin-
In 2015 and 2016 when I was dealing with a major health issue I discovered the therapeutic power of writing firsthand. Before that, I had just read about the impact of writing on the mind and the body. During my health crisis I used journaling and shared excerpts with my support network. I found the combination of writing and sharing to be hugely therapeutic.
As a Health Psychologist (see www.bodymindhealth.org ) I have always been on the lookout for the most effective tools for change. I am intrigued by the brain's neuroplasticity or its ability to change and writing it one way to accomplish such change.
Others have explained the power of expressive writing so well, I'll just share a favourite quote on the subject:
"When we write down our stories, we reinforce positive narrative patterns in the brain to override the brain's habits of negative thinking... Sometimes expressive writing behaves like a story that swells to crests and resolves itself on firm ground. But often, expressive writing is turbulent and unpredictable, and that is OK. Expressive writing is not so much what happened as it is how you feel about what happened or is happening.” John Evans.
Me
My name is Sara Aharon. Among other things I am a mother of two humans, a dog and a cat.
Before discovering the power of expressive writing I expressed myself through visual art. The photographs on this site are mine other than the ones of me.
I now hold a certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies. I am also a facilitator and trainer with the Toronto Writers Collective (TWC)
Why Write
There is great benefit to writing during a crisis. Journaling during my journey with cancer and sharing it with friends and family helped me process the trauma of it all in real time. By sharing excerpts of my writing with others and receiving their supportive feedback, the loneliness of this process was alleviated.
In writing for health and wellness the emphasis is on processing the challenges health issues present and transforming the experiences. In my case I looked for humour wherever I could find it but simply journaling, putting down your thoughts and feelings on the page, is extremely helpful.
Support for this argument exists in research on the use of expressive writing for various health issues.
See examples in the page on "Benefits of Writing"