No matter what kind of writing you do, I am certain there is a healing component in there somewhere. You may not even be conscious of it.
Your story doesn't have to be limited to a journal or a memoir to tell it. If you've written a novel, perhaps your character development is a refection of your own life. Maybe you've hit your pain head on with a self-help book to assist others. I have particularly found writing in allegory style to help me process pain.
Whatever your writing style, whatever your genre, studies have shown that writing is therapeutic.
Rochelle Melander, author of the article, "Heal By Writing About Your Trauma" (Psychology Today; November 21, 2012):
Many psychological and medical studies have shown that writing about difficulties and dreams helps people experience increased happiness, health, and productivity ... psychologist James Pennebaker wrote about the multiple research studies he has done on the transformative power of writing. He discovered that people who use writing to make sense of their traumatic life experiences felt happier and less anxious.
You may have suffered a traumatic event. Write.
You may be a worrier. Write.
You may be fearful. Write.
You may have unfulfilled dreams. Write.
You may be having a bad day. Write.
Let the ashes be turned into beauty. Not only will you be helping the reader to enjoy what you write, but you will very likely be helping yourself!
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Kathy Moulton is a published freelance writer. You can find her passion to bring encouragement and hope to people of all ages at When It Hurts -http://kathleenmoulton.com
