The Write Way to Face Your Fears, Find Your Purpose

When I first started journaling, I never imagined it would become a gateway to making a decent living, allowing me to support myself and my family for many years.

I first wrote with the intention of facing my fears. In the process, I discovered my purpose and passion.

This opened doors in a series of callings on my life, and a more than 20 year journey in professional communications, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing and nurturing my gifts.

Frightened and pregnant with my first child, I’d been diagnosed with a severe case of Preeclampsia, also called Toxemia, a toxic blood condition that occurs only during pregnancy. It endangers the life of the baby and the mother. A friend of mine in a dance troupe I rehearsed with lost her baby in her third trimester because of the same condition. I was bereft. Confined to bed rest and home alone all day while my husband, and friends, were at work, I began pouring my questions, hopes and fears on paper.

That was many cities, career moves and family transitions ago. But as I rise each day in the wee hours of the morning to write, as has become an anchor ritual , my mind often turns to that frightened young woman and those early pen and paper days. Not everyone enjoys writing. Truth be told, writers don’t always love it either. Most of us would prefer to think things through; and talk them out, rather than commit to paper. There’s nothing wrong with this. But writing permits a dialogue with your subconscious that can shine new light on your own thoughts and ideas.

This in turn can provide you with the gift of clarity. Your perspective can change when you see your ideas on paper. You do not have to be a writer to benefit from this powerful tool. All you need is a clean sheet of paper, a pen and a quiet place for at least 30 minutes.

Write by Hand. If absolutely necessary, your laptop is an acceptable substitution for a pen. However, writing by hand is preferable. Author of "Writing Down the Bones" and fellow yogi, Natalie Goldberg, elegantly makes a convincing case for the alchemy of writing, thinking and our body mechanics. Several years ago, when I had a writer’s block, I began following her writing exercises. They encourage writing nonstop for 30 minutes. Write whatever comes to mind on the page, without regard for punctuation, grammar or the rules. I’ve developed a strong editor over the years, so I found this part difficult. Not only did it open me up to new ideas and insights, but completely healed the stiffness in my right hand that I thought was arthritis or carpal tunnel. How's thay for a metaphysicial metaphor?

Empty your mind of your preconceived ideas. Part of the reason you’ve been unable to discover the purpose of your life may be your erroneous thinking. Too often we limit ourselves. The answers to the really big questions often lie in places we never bother to look within ourselves. So try to keep an open mind.

Write, “What is my life purpose?” at the top of the page. This sets the stage and informs your subconscious of your purpose. Write whatever comes to mind. You might think, “This is a dumb idea.” That’s fine. Write it down. Avoid judging any of your thoughts.

Allow Yourself 30 minutes. This brings me back to why I get up most mornings before the roosters. Initially, the habit was borne form sheer necessity. As a working mother – and what mother isn’t? – this was the sacred space I carved out for myself. Over the years, I’ve grown to love the meditative quality of this time of day. It doesn’t matter what spot or time you choose. Protect it. Give yourself at least 30 minutes, if you can. You need the first 15 minutes to rid yourself of your mental clutter.

Stick with the process. At some point, you’ll want to quit or do something else instead. But consistency is the key. Our fears of learning or facing the truth are often loom bigger in our minds. There’s something empowering about encapsulating them into words on paper. The act of writing can help you work through discomfort.

Keep writing until you find “it.” How will you know? You’ll know. You’ll probably even cry. Just keep writing until you’re certain you’ve found it. Pay attention to the answers that inspire you, and instill the greatest emotional surge.

#communicationswriting #selfempowerment #leadership #strategiccommunications