Since I was eight years old, writing is my rescue from pain, sadness, and fear. I explain how traumatic my childhood was in Midwestern Backstory, Blended Abandonment, The Baptists, Paul’s Rules, Rescue From Less Than, Supper To Self-Protection, Generational Trauma Entrepreneur, High Functioning Alcoholism, The Dad I Loved But Never Understood, and Mental Illness Mom’s Secret.
CPTSD Beginnings
My childhood was the beginning of my diagnosis of Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).
My guess is the most touching books or songs ever written were inspired by the darkest moments in the creator’s life. So it is with writing, songwriting, rapping, painting, acting, singing, and all the creative attempts to live in a way that aligns with how you feel inside.
Every child and adult needs to have healthy ways to deal with anger, sadness, fear, loneliness, feeling worthless, invisible, and not feeling loved and successful. As a kid, I could always find a crayon, pencil, and paper, so writing became my dependable rescue. I was one busy writer as I was growing up.
Writing Rescue Process
The process is simple. Find a quiet or favorite spot where you can connect with your thoughts and feelings. Begin writing whatever comes, and don’t filter the messages. Review what you wrote down and figure out why those thoughts came to mind. Then, create an action plan for positive change and use it daily.
I realize that not everyone likes to write. You can still use this investigative process to move forward no matter what trauma you have or a situation you want to improve and heal from. Use whatever your strengths are to keep moving forward.
Why Writing Is My Rescue
- Writing is my rescue by teaching me to believe in myself and my unique perceptions and writing style. I do not compare my writing to any other blogger, writer, or author.
- Writing is my rescue when another person lets me know that what I wrote helped them figure something out, made them feel less alone, entertained them, and opened them up to a new way of thinking.
- Writing is my rescue because it challenges me to be an authentic and successful adult and not a lifelong depressed victim of my childhood.
- The most significant reason writing is my rescue is that it has made it possible for me since I was a kid to learn how to forgive instead of keeping all the hurt and disappointment buried deep inside.
- Writing is my lifelong rescue because I am at my best when I am writing.
Meeting With Editor
I remember a 30-minute scheduled meeting I had with an editor during a writer’s conference in San Diego, California. My entire memoir manuscript was by my side. The charge was $50 for her to read and critique ten pages from the first draft of my memoir.
These were her written comments: “Cliche writing. Writing unoriginal. I worry you may be too close to the subject. To an outsider, this is difficult to follow and get engaged in. Family anecdotes should be saved for family. This page reads like a family Christmas newsletter. They do not make engaging reading. Why should the reader care?”
Apparently, since I was not going to be the next J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter series of books) or Dean Koontz (suspense thrillers), twenty minutes of being shredded by her was all I was worth.
Not a word of encouragement or compassion. She never even thought to say, “Sorry for your loss.”
I am on a mission to help others by sharing my life experiences and tips. So, I held onto my dream. Fellow Tough Cookies, whatever your passions and talents are, let them be known. Some people will appreciate them, and others won’t give you a chance.
What is your rescue?
Tough Cookie Tip: A life without dreams is no life at all. The best way to live without regret is to find what helps you and gives purpose to your life. Then, patiently pursue it while enjoying the journey. I am rooting for you!
Copyright © 2022-2025 Marilyn K Fuller. All Rights Reserved.
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Writing definitely saved you in your early years to now 🙂