Aimee, I feel that you are writing directly to me. Although the trauma of my family is an experience of decades, I can say that I have grown in these years not in spite of it but because of it. I'm still rewriting that book, but the ongoing act of so much revision has brought me to a new space and perspective. The quotes from Frankl are spot on for me, too. Thanks for devoting so much time and thought to the important message that our stories matter.
Thank you so much, Peter. I can never forget your story. I'm sure your book is evolving to be about your growth, rather than just the trauma. As it happens, I'm reading the Lucy Bartion books by Elizabeth Strout. They contain many vital lessons about writing about trauma and are examples unto themselves. They're deceptively slow, meandering and "mundane" but reach down into the quick, as the mind does, unexpectedly. I'm so grateful Goddard introduced us, and that we're keeping this connection alive. Sweet holidays to you.
Thanks so much for sharing what you've learned from James Gordon and the amazing wisdom and perspectives you've gathered throughout your life, translating them into practical advice for writers. This is the perfect essay that I didn't know I needed to read as my mind and heart are still reeling from the traumatic triggers brought on by Nov 5. There are so many gems in this essay, that I have saved it to read again and again for inspiration and courage. If I were to choose one advice that speaks to me the most right now, it is: "Don’t wait for the trauma to be over to start writing about it." Indeed, I've found that the process of writing -- whether it's a diary entry or a public essay, or something I haven't or may never publish -- has helped me sort through the chaos in my mind and move me forward on the river of healing. I love the metaphor of the river that you used!
Aimee, I feel that you are writing directly to me. Although the trauma of my family is an experience of decades, I can say that I have grown in these years not in spite of it but because of it. I'm still rewriting that book, but the ongoing act of so much revision has brought me to a new space and perspective. The quotes from Frankl are spot on for me, too. Thanks for devoting so much time and thought to the important message that our stories matter.
Thank you so much, Peter. I can never forget your story. I'm sure your book is evolving to be about your growth, rather than just the trauma. As it happens, I'm reading the Lucy Bartion books by Elizabeth Strout. They contain many vital lessons about writing about trauma and are examples unto themselves. They're deceptively slow, meandering and "mundane" but reach down into the quick, as the mind does, unexpectedly. I'm so grateful Goddard introduced us, and that we're keeping this connection alive. Sweet holidays to you.
Thanks so much for sharing what you've learned from James Gordon and the amazing wisdom and perspectives you've gathered throughout your life, translating them into practical advice for writers. This is the perfect essay that I didn't know I needed to read as my mind and heart are still reeling from the traumatic triggers brought on by Nov 5. There are so many gems in this essay, that I have saved it to read again and again for inspiration and courage. If I were to choose one advice that speaks to me the most right now, it is: "Don’t wait for the trauma to be over to start writing about it." Indeed, I've found that the process of writing -- whether it's a diary entry or a public essay, or something I haven't or may never publish -- has helped me sort through the chaos in my mind and move me forward on the river of healing. I love the metaphor of the river that you used!
What an amazingly powerful essay, Aimee. Thank you for taking the time to shape your thoughts into these profound words.
Thank you so much, Homi, for taking the time to read and respond. I'm so glad to hear this resonated for you. Be well.