Creating a Profound Expression of Yourself

"When you see your writing as more than a hobby, profession or craft -- as a profound expression of your self -- you have no choice but to write with utter conviction and authenticity. The deepest sources of creativity within you are open."
-- Jill Jepson, author of "Writing as a Sacred Path"

The above quote parallels my first experience with writing, which began in 1985. My first attempt to capture my life on the printed page came during a time of overwhelming despair. Two years after my mom died, I decided to sell the house. It sold within two weeks and I had no idea where I was going to live.

That same day, I bought a journal with a teddy bear on the cover, finding the image of the childhood toy comforting. The first words I wrote were: "Today, I need a teddy bear: someone to talk to, someone who cares how I feel. Today is June 13, 1985. Twenty-one years ago, my mother, father and I bought this house. Today, I received a call from the real estate agent that the house was sold."

Daily, I wrote in the journal about my search for a new home, which began on June 13 and ended on Aug. 1, 1985, when I found the home I have lived in for the last 26 years. Journaling was a way for me to express my feelings. As Jill Jepson says, it was "a profound expression of your self."

The journal writing continued, and I began to fill journals with words every day, eventually moving beyond daily journaling. Always searching and attending writing programs, in 1996, I found the teacher who changed my life and started me on my writing path. I'll tell you that story in a future column.

I turned my life writings into Heart-to-Heart Gatherings where I encourage others to journal and write their life stories. I found others, like me, with an overwhelming desire to turn memories into written words: to impart some meaning, some legacy, to the bumps and twists of daily life.

Every person's life is a story, and it's never too late to write yours. Did you know that at the age of 65, Laura Ingalls Wilder published the first of her eight "Little House" books? You are a writer in the making.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., I will be presenting An Introduction to Turning Memories Into Memoirs at the Lyonsville Congregational church located near the intersection of Wolf and Joliet Roads. I'll be introducing different ways to help people get started writing, and I hope you will join me.

Writer's tip of the week: Read.

Readers make better writers is the advice in all of my how to write books.  Read newspapers, magazines, books, letters.  Read everything.  Read blogs.  Read your writing out loud.  Read to your family and friends.  When my family/friends hear the words 'Do you have a minute?' they know what's coming.  I want them to listen to me, and of course, I want their full attention.  Lately when I call them, the say, I was Just leaving the house.  Don't get discouraged.  Just keep reading and don't stop writing.

Have a good week, and happy writing!

Cecilia Gloria Valentino, C E O - Challenger, Encourager, Optimist