“I am participating in the Writing Contest: How Writing Has Positively Influenced My Life. Hosted by Positive Writer.” - See more at: http://positivewriter.com/writing-contest-how-writing-has-positively-influenced-my-life/#sthash.ms9T8WtC.dpuf
On March 5th, 2010 at age 69, I began a cross-country cycling trip which started in San Diego, California and ended in St. Augustine Florida. The two month, 3098 mile journey crossed the 'southern tier' of the United States and ended April 30th, 2010. I posted my progress, location, and photographs whenever possible on my BLOG. It was a grueling adventure with many highs and very few lows.
Once I arrived home, for some unknown reason I had no desire to look at the BLOG or relive the experience. Then one day, perhaps a year or so later I received an email from our local community library offering classes on "writing your memoirs." At that point I wished I had a dollar for every time someone suggested I write a book about my cycling adventure.
So I thought "what the hell, I'll give it a try, -- I might have a best seller?" Right!
At first it was very difficult for me to dig deep into my mind and reveal my emotions. The participants would often say in group, "your memoir reads like a documentary." They wanted to hear about my true feelings. MY FEELINGS!! YIKES! How could I tell them how scared and alone I felt out there on the bike. That was my dirty little secret.
Finally I actually did it, --put my feelings into words. What a relief, --now the words just flow onto the pages. The group loves it too. My cross-country BLOG has become my best friend as I relive the details in each chapter of my book.
It's been over two years now and I am still attending the same writing group at the library. I feel safe. I love and trust the people in my group. Without their support I would not be writing chapter twelve of my adventure. We share many emotions each week as these writers air the most intimate details in their stories, --sometimes involving laughter, and sometimes tears. For me it feels almost therapeutic.
My secrets are out, --they have now become epiphanies. I feel free and not afraid to put my feelings into words. That is the positive affect writing has had on my life.
