Free-Write Friday: Tell the Truth & Give it Up to the Light

“Writers are truthtellers. That’s our job. Often that means we need to write about the darkness within.”     Cheryl Strayed from interview in Creative Nonfiction magazine, 2014

Writing Prompt:

If I finally told the truth, I’d say….

The body is burdened by secrets. Even if you are not ready or able to share your secrets with another person, try to unburden yourself on the page. You can shred the words if you choose, but get the stories and secrets out of your body. It’s a good for your health activity.

You can stay with it for twenty minutes and just write without thinking too much. The grammar and spelling aren’t important. The release of words is what matters. Write quickly.

If this has heat for you and you want to challenge and heal yourself more I have another exercise you can try.

Write yourself a letter, in response, to sharing your secret. Respond as lovingly and compassionately as you can. If these seems impossible to you, consider it a fictional exercise.

Pay attention. Notice how your body feels after you’ve released a secret. Notice how it feels when you’ve made comfort available.

One last suggestion. Write a list of 25 simple pleasures you absolutely love such as the sweet pink color of bubble gum, the peppermint by the driveway or peanut butter on a spoon.

If you can, indulge in a few and congratulate yourself for being brave and taking care of your body.

You can heal write now!