Own Your Life Writing

Here are just a few reasons why life writing could change your life: ? Healing Through Storytelling: Writing about your life can help process difficult experiences, offering a sense of clarity and emotional release. ? Building Self-Awareness: Reflecting on your journey fosters a deeper understanding of who you are and how you’ve grown. ? Connecting with Others: Sharing your story can create powerful connections by highlighting the shared human experience. ? Preserving Legacy: Life writing captures personal history for future generations, ensuring your voice and experiences live on. What’s your story? Start writing it today—you might be surprised where it takes you! We have courses kicking off in the New Year, get in touch to learn more. https://lnkd.in/eQ9R8Szy

Try your very own life writing exercise today. Set aside 10 minutes and see what happens! And make sure you stick to 10 minutes using the break down below: 10-Minute Life Writing Exercise: "Snapshots in Time" ?? Choose a Moment (1 minute): ?? Think of a specific moment in your life. It can be big or small—go with the first one that comes to mind. ?? Set the Scene (3 minutes): ?? Write quickly about the physical details of the moment. ?? Where were you? ?? What could you see, hear, smell, or feel? ?? Was there anyone with you? ?? Focus on the Feeling (3 minutes): ?? What emotions were present in that moment? ?? How did that moment make you feel about yourself or others? ?? Add a Reflection (3 minutes): ?? Looking back now, what stands out about that moment? ?? Did it shape you or reveal something new? ?? Final Thought: Don’t aim for perfection—just let the memory flow. Even a small detail or feeling can reveal deeper truths when you look back later. If it resonates, this moment could grow into a longer piece of writing. ?? Reflection: How did it feel to revisit this moment??What was it like to write about it, did it change how you felt about this moment before you wrote about it? Do you like what you have written and could you continue to write about it or other moments? If you enjoyed this exercise, why not explore life writing, get in touch for more information. Check out my website today and start your writing journey: https://lnkd.in/eQ9R8Szy

Everyone has a story to tell. Yet, too often, we convince ourselves that our experiences aren’t significant enough, or that we’re ‘not a writer.’ The truth is, your story matters—because it’s uniquely yours. Writing it down isn’t just about capturing memories; it’s about understanding yourself, finding your voice, and even helping others feel less alone. In our life writing courses, we go beyond the act of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). We create a safe, supportive environment where you can uncover your story, explore its meaning, and share it with courage. Together, we celebrate the messy, beautiful, and deeply human process of writing our lives. When you write your story, you create a bridge between your past, your present, and the person you’re becoming. And when you share it, you inspire others to do the same. Take that first step. Discover the power of storytelling in our next life writing workshop and start sharing your journey with confidence. Ready to begin? Let’s write it together. Reach out to me directly to learn more about our New Year courses, or visit our website for more information. Link to our website: https://lnkd.in/eQ9R8Szy

I host a unique and intimate 12-week life-writing workshop that focuses on contemporary technique and practice, as well as literary community and citizenship. I set up this course because I believe writing about our experiences is one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves: a precursor to crucial awareness, powerful expression, and cathartic release. Together we will produce the first edition of your own work. At the end of the course, you will have your writing published in a one-of-a-kind handmade chapbook featuring all members of your cohort. My chapbooks are carefully crafted compilations and objects, designed by local artists with letterpress printed covers and hand-sewn with Irish linen thread. We have workshops starting in January, reach out for more information or please visit?my website?to sign up.?

Benefits of Expressive Writing Back in May I posted about taking a workshop to learn how to write my own life story. It has been a WONDERFUL experience. I have written more than forty pages of memories and have a lot more to write about. It will probably take me years to write everything I want to write about, and that is OK. I am not in a rush; I am just enjoying the experience. The biggest accomplishment from this process was not the number of pages. It has been how much I have boosted my self-awareness - my ability to perceive and understand the things that make me an individual (personality, values, emotions, thoughts, etc.) How the environment (culture, religion, education, friends, family, partners, etc.) has influenced how I react to things or what I believe. Why is self-awareness important? Kendra Cherry explained it very well in her article: “Self-awareness: Development, Types, and How to improve yours”. ?“Self-awareness is important because it allows you to reflect on aspects of yourself. As you understand your abilities and tendencies, your self-awareness also allows you to think about how you interact with others and the world around you. Self-aware people can manage their behaviors and adapt to situations. They can accurately evaluate what the situation requires and then modify their actions accordingly. This can be vital in many areas of life, including your relationships and work.” Thank you, Becky Wills, for your coaching throughout this wonderful experience and thank you to all my fellow Life Writes for sharing their stories and building a community..... For you all out there.......Consider writing your Own Life Story Want to learn more check the links below a) Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing | Advances in Psychiatric Treatment | Cambridge Core b) The Power of Journaling for Well-being: A Path to Self-Discovery and Healing - DHW Blog (dukehealth.org) c) Self-Awareness: Development, Types, and How to Improve Yours (verywellmind.com)

Had a chapbook launch party today ?? ?? Very proud of this inaugural group of Own Your Life Writing life writers... January - March 2025 workshop NOW OPEN: www.ownyourlifewriting.com Kevin Chapman MJ Impastato, PCC, CPCC Victoria Nakamura Kristan Sanft Cynthia Machado Ph.D. Campbell Mitchell FIFST Susan Fazo Joanna Hunt

This Own Your Life Writing chapbook deserves a trailer. ?? Real stories from March - May 2024 workshop participants... Susan Fazo Kristan Sanft Nelly Nguyen Joanna Hunt Kevin Chapman Victoria Nakamura MJ Impastato, PCC, CPCC Cynthia Machado Ph.D. Campbell Mitchell FIFST Gary Wills Rachael K?hne-Lau