Have you ever had a hobby? Anything you’ve always liked to do? Maybe you didn’t love doing it, but you were somehow drawn to it? For me it has been to write. Walking was the hard part. Writing about it is easier. I’ve always written. I wrote when I was in the second grade. I’ll never forget winning my first story contest in elementary school. I won a few. My teacher was so proud; she designed a nice booklet for me comprised of all my stories made out of colorful construction paper. I’ll never forget it. It was such an accomplishment.
The first loss I ever experienced was losing that book. When I couldn’t find it, I remember searching the basement tirelessly for a couple of hours. My mom could’ve misplaced it, but it was my first heartbreak. I was so sad.
At sixteen in the hospital I wrote, after my accident. Hooked up to machines with a breathing tube stuck down my throat, the first few weeks I had to write. It was the only way to communicate, I couldn’t talk. I still have all my notes of black marker scribbles on white and yellow cut outs from hospital flyer sheets. They are saved in my closet, in a big bag with every word on every card that every person ever wrote to me. They are treasures.
In the Rehab. floor after the ICU I wrote. I wrote letters to God each night. I poured out the sorrows, hopes, and dreams of my heart in what was the most difficult time in my life.
I wrote through college, successes, heartbreaks, frustrations or accomplishments. I kept thick journals writing each night, or when I felt the urge. I jotted down my emotions and thoughts. The reason I majored in English was not to teach, it was to write. Finally, I’m trying to achieve my heart’s dream. I can’t help but feel fear. But C.S. Lewis said, “Failures are the finger posts on the road to achievement.” I need to remember that.
I wrote as a child. I wrote as a teen. I wrote in college. I’m writing as an adult. Writing is a great release. “Writing has helped me heal. Writing has changed my life.” – Louise Desalvo I couldn’t agree more, I believe writing in some way can help save our lives.
Tomorrow morning I’m giving my first on line presentation to other teachers for Global LT, the company I work for. I would appreciate your prayers and thoughts. I remind myself it’s no different from teaching a classroom, but I can’t help but feel a little nervous. My topic is “How to Include Writing in Your Lessons,” of course. It just seems appropriate : ) It’s time to share what I’ve learned, in the classroom and outside.
How about you? Do you have any hobbies you like? Anything you ever feel compelled to do? Feel free to share in the notes.
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