by Janie Lane
Bleeding black ink
That lies in a plastic body
Sometimes leaking colorful pictures
Essays are a hobby
Writing is my job.
Everyone has a story to tell. Some of us tell the story of living with or living through cancer. Some of us tell the story of surviving abuse or trauma. Some of us tell the story of lasting love or broken hearts. Some of us tell the story of a blessed life of abundance and fulfillment. We all have a story to tell.
I am blessed that my story is ever changing and evolving. I no longer fight cancer, but there is always a fight. That's what life is about . . . facing the challenges and figuring out how to overcome them.
I hope that through sharing my story here, many more of you are sharing your stories. Not only is writing cathartic for those of us who have fought or continue to fight, it also gives hope to those who have not yet found their voices.
I have a job for you this month. Write down one challenge that you have faced in your life and how you made it through. Brag a little. Be proud of your success. Post your story in the comments, and I will share it with my readers. If you are not ready to share your story, write it for yourself. You will be pleasantly surprised at how amazing it feels to get that story outside of you and onto paper. It really is a magical exchange.
Here is what writing has done for me:
1. Writing has shown me that even when I feel like I can't get through some dark spot in my life, I can. I have so many journal entries about hard, sucky stuff, and guess what. Here I am on the other side of those obstacles. I made it!
2. Writing has let me share my story with others in ways that I could not have if I had just spoken the words. Readers from all over the world read my blog and the blogs I have shared on other sites. I have made awesome friends just because I have a story to tell.
3. Writing has given me an outlet to vent and to celebrate. When I can't yell and scream at the challenges that inevitably come my way, I write. When wonderful things happen that I want to remember, I write.
4. Writing has given me a way to record history for my children and their children. Because I write, my progeny will know me far beyond my time on this planet.
5. Writing has let me know myself at a much deeper level and has led me to self love.
I can't wait to read your stories!