Everyone has the right

to tell the truth

about her own life.

Ellen Bass and Laura Davis

When I wrote Doubting the Writing Process I had no idea that I would end up, once again, scratching the project and opting for mental wellness instead. Every time I started from where I started previously I would, as mentioned in the post, become physically ill. I closed up my “writing project” (well actually tore it all up and threw the pages in the nearest trash can) and called it another lesson learned. Some stories just aren’t meant to be told or have new life breathed into them.

That was until I emailed Susan Bernard from Wellness Writer. I met Susan while I was writing The Bipolar Diaries (a previous blog documenting my menopausal mood swings). Later I realized that Susan was the author of The Mommy Guide, a book that was on my recommended reading list when I did workshops for New and First Time Moms. And so a cyberspace friendship began.

Susan identified some of the causes behind my struggle to write and graciously recommended the book Writing for Your Life by Deena Metzger. I have learned within five minutes of reading this book that I have been starting my story in the wrong place. I am uncertain where the right place to start would be. Yet, I am okay with that uncertainty. The exercises in Deena’s book will provide a jumping in point and where I start may not be where I end up.

Thanks Susan for being such an inspiration and providing me with a much needed tool when I was so certain my toolbox would remain empty.

Samantha’s Corner: This was on our refrigerator message board this morning when I woke up:

Sam: Can we go on a photo field trip today like you and Dad go on?

Mom: Sure.

Sam: Can we go where you took this shot of the “gangster chicken”?

Miss Sam and I will be spending the afternoon out in Ozello searching for more “gansta chickens” as soon as we eat lunch. Guess what we are having??? Enchiladas! (I’m such a good great mom).