"We do not need to proselytize by our speech, nor by our writing. We can only do so really with our lives. Let our lives be open books for all to study."
-Mahatma Ghandi
Writing has always been easy. It is effortless to fill a page with words. Writing had completely transformed for me some years after returning home from the war in Iraq. To prevent myself from "bleeding on people," I started writing again and literally let myself bleed on paper. All of the nightmares, horrific memories, guilt, and pain came out in a way that helped me to find a purpose in those painful experiences. I have never tried to write fiction because I figured that there were enough problems in my own world rather than creating a whole separate universe full of more problems. I do commend those who write fiction with such creativity, it just isn't my cup of tea.
I like what someone said about our lives being a survival guide to help someone else through similar battles, so this idea has been my motivation to write. Even if it turns out to not be a "bestseller".....if it made a difference for one person, then it has served its purpose. This was the best way for me to write pieces that meant something and made a difference, while also discovering that my most passionate writing was in my very own journal.
"Transparency is contagious. As you heal, you are free to show up with the truth. Your freedom creates a sanctuary for others to unmask."
-Dr. Thema