How Writing Helps Me

By Syfia

---

​Writing is well known as a tool for emotion management. I didn’t believe that till I started writing in my diary. My diary is the place when I can be the most vulnerable and honest. In fact, all I wrote is about my anger, resentment, and dump feelings. I thought ‘am I a bad person? why did I piss off over small problems?”. But of course no. Anger is a natural emotion. 

I started writing because I realized I have a bunch of thoughts and emotions piled up. I didn’t want to share those feelings with others because it is very hard to verbalize my thoughts. So, I decided to write. I express everything I thought on that day. I also write my activity just in case I want to recall particular days. I set apart any judgments, aesthetics, and social standards. I want to be true in my free zone, that is my diary.

After 3 weeks of writing in my diary, I started to love it. I love how writing can alleviate my mind. When my pen touches the paper, that’s when my burdens are transferred onto paper. Sometimes I cry; sometimes I just scribble; sometimes I laugh. Now, writing has become  my best coping strategy and also my passion. I also took the next step to be part of the writer team in TWE (which I am grateful for), so I can develop my skills.

Everyone has their own ways to cope, but here some tips you can do if you want to start expressive writing. 

1. Choose one book that will be your escaping space, a book that may not be seen by others and not incorporate into other functions. 
2. You can decide a specific time to write. But you don’t have to if you need to shed your emotions immediately. 
3. Don’t write as if someone will read it. Write for yourself; eliminate all probable social judgments. 
4. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling. Remember, you are writing  only for yourself:)

Coping strategies  are  different for  everyone. People may prefer to find social support, ranting, or writing. You can choose any tools to cope that you like.