Writing Through Loss and Grief 

I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately.
I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.
To put to rest all that is life.
And not, when I come to die discovered that I had not lived.
                                      - Robin Williams, Dead Poets Society (1989) 

In 2001, Megan's mother died unexpectantly of complications to MS. For the next two years, Megan worked through the stages of loss, from a place of complete devestation to learning how to move on with her life. For over a year, she did not write anything at all. Then, as she began to move through the stages of grief, she felt she had to write down all the stories she could remember about her mother. After several drafts, she has completed a memoir of insights and epiphanies during the time after her mother’s death.

Grief comes in many forms, not just in the death of a family member. It may be the loss of a relationship, a national event such as September 11^th or Hurricane Katrina, a friend moving away. We may find ourselves unable to sleep or eat, angry or just feeling stuck. Journaling, in any form, can provide a place to acknowledge the person or event and move forward to a place of letting go. 

Creative journaling is a tool that allows a person to experience and explore insight into our own lives. So many times we edit what we say or what we write. Freewriting allows you to write continually, without stopping to edit or judge your own thoughts. Using writing prompts or techniques, creative journaling engages the body, mind and emotion. Creative journaling can provide the space to honor our memories and move forward with our lives.

As in the movie Freedom Writers, creative journaling provides space where the freedom of expression to allow thoughts and ideas flow in a healthy outlet. It is a place to express thoughts, feelings, beliefs, hopes, disappointments, and experiences. Re-reading portions of a journal or reading a journal entry out loud can bring additional insight and another depth to journal writing. 

Megan offers individual and group classes using writing prompts and techniques in creative journaling. To find out more about attending or hosting a class, contact Megan for a schedule and availability.