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Journals, Memoirs, and Letters
Leaving a Legacy
Tis' the season to be jolly . . . but is this also the season to reflect on sad moments and losses? Although holidays bring forth joy and good will, realistically that is only half the story. The holidays also remind us of all of our dreams that remain unfulfilled and loved ones who cannot be near. In short, holidays are also filled with emotional challenges. Writing is a way to acknowledge, and possibly work through, those lost dreams and sad memories. Here are three different writing approaches to explore.
1. Journals: Going directly to your feelings.
An ancient saying tells us, "If you hold it in, it will destroy you; if you let it out, it will free you." Journaling allows you to address any situation by discharging your feelings about it on paper. As a result, you clarify issues and become more objective. Journaling helps you put situations in perspective, reach insight, and feel relief from stress.
Validate yourself; don't wait for others to do it for you. Just pick up a pen or sit down at the computer and write whatever comes to mind. Don't screen the content. The power lies in doing it, not having it artistically written and ready to share with others.
2. Memoirs: An indirect but powerful way to examine your life.
A memoir captures a point in time-a profound experience that lingers in your mind helping to shape you into the human being you are today. Start with any significant experience in your life. Begin by describing details, but avoid expressing your feelings-let your description set the tone. Share the colors, sounds, and aromas that envelop the space. Discuss the people involved, conveying intimate details as they come to mind. Be an outside observer, objectively expressing the particulars. Don't discern whether a detail is trivial or relevant; just capture it as it comes to mind. You'll know when the piece is finished . . .
The exciting aspect of writing a memoir is that you are leaving a legacy for those who love you. Writing memoirs is also a good exercise to bone up your writing skills.
3. The Letter: Old fashioned, but still effective.
Though letters cost you nothing to write, the recipient may consider them priceless. Have you ever received a letter from a loved one that made your day? Did you reread the letter several times, feeling warmth and comfort each time you read it? Do you still have it or wish you did? If so, realize that your letter could mean the same thing to someone else.
Letters to your children are especially important because you never know when the last opportunity will come to encourage them or share your love. On a personal note, I still treasure the letters my father wrote my mom while he was away during the war. He died when I was young, and to this day those letters fill a gap created by his loss.
We communicate different feelings through writing than we do through speaking. Writing offers an opportunity to build stronger relationships and connect more deeply with others and ourselves. And, take heart-if you don't want to leave your journals, memoirs, or letters as a legacy, you can always shred or bury them when you are finished!
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