I now know what I did not know back then, back in the summer of 2016, when I first tentatively decided to put my thoughts and words out there by creating a blog; I now know that I was looking for something more in my life, I was searching for a sense of purpose, I was unfulfilled and lonely.
Starting my blog, Create Space, has made a difference to my life. Being part of our online community, reading other blogs and sharing some of my writing whether from the daily prompt or other random ideas has helped me to find my voice; a voice that I now know was silenced because of the bullying endured by both our children. Blogging has helped rebuild my confidence while also building my writing practice. It has helped me realise, thanks to all the bloggers I’ve connected with in the comments section, that all of us have so much to offer each other!
Over the next few posts I would like to share quotes and writing tips from one of the most influential and informative books on writing that I have read, that book is…
‘Writing Alone and with others.’
Pat Schneider says,
‘We are all connected to one another and to the mystery at the heart of the universe through our strange and marvelous ability to create words. When we write, we create, and when we offer our creation to one another, we close the wounds of loneliness and may participate in healing the broken world. Our words, our truth, our imagining, our dreaming, may be the best gifts we have to give.’
If you are looking for something more in your life, searching for a sense of purpose, feeling unfulfilled and lonely then reach out, blog, share the best gifts you have to give and connect with others!
Pg. Xvii, Pat Schneider said…’If I were this book’s reader, I would write in the margins, underline what I liked, and argue with the author where I disagree. I’d mark favourite exercises with a star, so I could find them again…’ Well I guess I did exactly as Pat suggested to my well read book!
Hi... failte (Irish for welcome! and pronounced fall-thhha).
I'm a newbie to blogging, here just over a year, but what a great year it has been!
I've turned the corner to 50 recently and two things become more relevant...time and experiences!
Material possessions are less important! Using time wisely and truly experiencing each day holds a new significance for me!
If you wish..., a little of the back story...
I''m blessed to be married to a kind and loving man for 28 years, we have two children now 19 and 21.
As I approached 40 and searching for something more, whilst holding down my then part-time legal secretarial work, I trained as a voluntary adult literacy tutor, with the hope of helping adults improve their literacy skills and have a second, and better experience of learning!
However, little did I think that wanting to help others improve their lives would see my own life improve beyond measure also!
You see for years I found it difficult to know what to do as I watched our two children suffer at the hands of bullies. Their struggle began to change when I returned to education! Through education I slowly gained valuable knowledge, I grew in confidence and self-esteme and it had a ripple effect!
By 2014, aged 47 I had completed a Higher Certificate in Literacy Development and a B.A. in Adult Education. I love my work as an adult educator, particularly when adults trust me enough to let down their defences and 'let me in'. Then I can help them by getting to know what makes them 'tic' and what 'lights their fire!'.
As an added bonus along the way I've realised that I also have a love of writing and that writing is cathartic (providing psychological relief through written expression of built up emotions), both for my students and myself. This blog enables me to pursue that new-found interest and I've really enjoying reading your blogs, sharing comments, getting to know so many people and gaining new perspectives. I also like to share any little 'gems' of learning I've gathered along the way!
Thanks for sharing your stories and for helping me realise that it is all possible...and that together we write a truly better story!
Much love,
Marie x
Yes, I agree with you Marie, that blogging gives us a new purpose & meeting such wonderful people in the blogging world has been revitalizing & refreshing.
Also validating our story & at the same time blesses others when we share it 🙂
Jennifer
Thanks for your support Jennifer. Adler spoke about the importance of connection, which was all probably face to face back then but now it’s ok for it to be a healthy mix of face to face and online connection!
I’ve also found that blogging has boosted my confidence in my writing ability, and connected me to other terrific writers! Thanks for this post, I think it spoke to many of us!
A lovely post! I’m so glad you found your voice, it’s been an encouragement to me and others. I’m thankful for your friendship as well. I’ll have to look for that book. =)
I am sorry to hear of how you were silenced. You really do have so much to say, and I think someday your kids will come here to learn about “the you” they didn’t know. I guess that is the good thing, you write what you feel…and from the heart. Like some of the other writers, I am not sure a blog has boosted my confidence. I actually have a lot of self confidence, but I prefer to move gracefully, and quietly through life. lol. And I do just “put it out there” when I can. For me….I decided to not tell anyone I knew about this for months for the opposite reason. My friends and family know my personality and I write like I talk. lol. In fact my husband never reads it, he knows how it goes… I do have some friends and family that do follow now though.
Thank you Donna, you have a beautiful voice and are a talented photographer, writer and blogger. I hope more of your family and friends learn about this side of you!
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Create Space 
April 8, 2018 at 2:43 am
I have Pat’s book and I love love love it! Beautiful post!
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April 8, 2018 at 6:20 am
Thanks Mandy I’m so delighted you think so and I’m glad you feel the same way about it!
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April 8, 2018 at 6:48 pm
🤗
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April 8, 2018 at 6:43 am
Yes, I agree with you Marie, that blogging gives us a new purpose & meeting such wonderful people in the blogging world has been revitalizing & refreshing.
Also validating our story & at the same time blesses others when we share it 🙂
Jennifer
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 8, 2018 at 7:07 am
Thanks for your support Jennifer. Adler spoke about the importance of connection, which was all probably face to face back then but now it’s ok for it to be a healthy mix of face to face and online connection!
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 8, 2018 at 9:44 pm
I’ve also found that blogging has boosted my confidence in my writing ability, and connected me to other terrific writers! Thanks for this post, I think it spoke to many of us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 7:14 am
A lovely post! I’m so glad you found your voice, it’s been an encouragement to me and others. I’m thankful for your friendship as well. I’ll have to look for that book. =)
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April 12, 2018 at 2:14 pm
Thanks Brenda for your constant encouragement! I’m thankful for your friendship and kind messages also! Do check it out, it is a gem!
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April 16, 2018 at 9:53 am
Blogging is really amazing. Always keep writing. 🙂
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April 16, 2018 at 3:52 pm
I totally agree, a great way to connect with like minded people. Thanks for reading and responding.
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April 19, 2018 at 9:14 pm
I am sorry to hear of how you were silenced. You really do have so much to say, and I think someday your kids will come here to learn about “the you” they didn’t know. I guess that is the good thing, you write what you feel…and from the heart. Like some of the other writers, I am not sure a blog has boosted my confidence. I actually have a lot of self confidence, but I prefer to move gracefully, and quietly through life. lol. And I do just “put it out there” when I can. For me….I decided to not tell anyone I knew about this for months for the opposite reason. My friends and family know my personality and I write like I talk. lol. In fact my husband never reads it, he knows how it goes… I do have some friends and family that do follow now though.
LikeLike
April 20, 2018 at 5:41 pm
Thank you Donna, you have a beautiful voice and are a talented photographer, writer and blogger. I hope more of your family and friends learn about this side of you!
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