In September 2017, I found out the true value of trauma and grief writing.
I had been re-traumatized by an event at the beginning of that summer. Between June and September that year, I had sunk into a deep numbness that alternated with staring and crying. My marriage was not doing well. I was doing my best to function as a parent to two teen boys and at work and felt like I was barely hanging on.
I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. I didn’t know what I needed, nor did I know how to get it. I felt like I was drowning in emotional pain and trauma responses and grief.
Then I received a message from a writing friend, who said, “This writing workshop is happening in your area. Go. You need to go.”
My First Trauma & Grief Writing Experience
I signed up, getting one of the last spots.
On the first day of the two-day workshop, I sat with a group of women, some of whom I already knew. The facilitator got us warmed up to write, gave us prompts, and set us loose to write for 45 minutes around the hostess’ house.
I felt like I had nothing to lose. Nobody could shame me more than I already was shaming myself.
I felt scared and vulnerable, but I needed to get all of the thoughts and feelings out onto paper.
I needed to be seen and heard.
I needed to be held as only a person witnessing your pain can hold you, even if there’s no physical touching at all.
So I wrote.
I wrote everything, that day and the next day of the workshop.
When each writing session was done, we sat in a circle and each one of us read what we had written, out loud. Our words rose and fell on invisible currents of air, swirling around each person in the room.
What Trauma & Grief Writing Gave Me
In these writing workshops over the last six years, I have told my story. One word at a time, one sentence at a time, one page at a time.
I have met women who have become lifelong friends, with a depth of understanding that you don’t always find in a community.
And speaking of community…they gave me a place and space to heal, to speak and be heard, in community.
Healing happens in community.
So now, after writing Caskets From Costco and other books and hundreds of articles about trauma and grief, I feel called to offer this kind of experience to others.
Trauma & Grief Writing: Own Your Story – Save Your Spot
Own your story a word at a time with a small group (no more than 6), writing and sharing virtually during one writing day each month. Safe, supportive, and vulnerable environment. No previous writing experience needed.
When? Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, from 10 am to 12:30 pm PST
Cost? $349
A $50 deposit holds your spot. The balance ($299) can be paid in one or multiple payments, starting in January 2024.
How to Hold Your Spot
Do these steps in any order!
1. Please take a look at this group’s Policies & Procedures.
2. Take a look at the Questionnaire and fill it out
Questions? Email Kelly at kelly@mapyourhealing.com
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