Beyond the Written Word: Discovering Clarity Through Writing
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Chapter 1: The Reluctance to Write
"I don’t want to write, Mom." His voice trembled, "If I put these awful things down on paper, they become real. I can’t face that." My eldest son struggled, fear and despair evident in his teary eyes, as the sadness trickled down his cheeks and into his beard.
During a tumultuous time in his early twenties, I encouraged him to document his feelings as a way to process his experiences. He was grappling with the aftermath of a devastating diagnosis for both himself and his brother, the trauma of a car accident I endured, and the harsh realities of being a young Black man in a society that often seems indifferent to the lives of young Black individuals.
Eventually, he began to write, pouring his thoughts into beautifully layered pieces that captured the essence of his mind, heart, and soul. This act of writing became a form of transcendence for him. Some of his work found an audience through public performances and publications, while much of it remained private, scrawled in countless journals filled with his personal reflections.
He continues to write today, though I wish he would embrace it more fully. His exploration of life through words—shaped by thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Kant—holds the potential to bring him the peace he seeks. I have found that peace through writing, and I wish the same for him.
Chapter 2: The Weight of Illness
My son's struggles with mental health were intertwined with those of his brother and me. Within just 32 days, both boys received diagnoses of Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a life-altering condition, while I was recovering from a car accident that occurred shortly thereafter.
CF is a hereditary illness that severely impacts the lungs and other vital organs. At the time of their diagnosis, the life expectancy was around 37-41 years, leading my son to feel robbed of time and opportunity by his illness and a society that often overlooks Black lives.
As he battled the realities of this diagnosis—one that was likely missed in their teenage years due to their race—our family faced additional challenges after my accident. My physical struggles included multiple herniated discs and the aftermath of surgeries. As I navigated my own recovery, I also supported my sons through the emotional and logistical challenges of their medical needs.
Our family of three was now a trio of individuals grappling with physical and emotional wounds—each of us yearning for the same basic necessity: the ability to breathe freely.
Chapter 3: Writing as a Breath of Fresh Air
Writing serves as a vital breath of fresh air for those of us facing life's chaos. It becomes an essential tool for alleviating anxiety, addressing emotional turmoil, and fostering personal growth.
Making Thoughts Tangible
Writing transforms our internal chaos into something we can see and understand. When we articulate our thoughts, we often find clarity, allowing us to navigate through the confusion and create paths toward healing.
Breaking Down Challenges
By putting our struggles on paper, we can break them into manageable parts, making them less daunting. This practice helps foster a "one step at a time" approach, easing the feeling of being overwhelmed.
A Trustworthy Companion
Writing provides a safe space to express our deepest feelings without judgment. It helps us uncover truths about ourselves, guiding us toward better relationships with our emotions and experiences.
A Sanctuary for Healing
Whether as a standalone practice or in conjunction with therapy, writing empowers us to prioritize our issues and fears, bringing clarity to what might feel chaotic in our minds.
The Birth of Imagination
Writing acts as a canvas for our thoughts, allowing us to envision a better version of ourselves. By giving our dreams tangible form, we map out our paths to fulfillment.
Building Bridges
Through writing, we can connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. This connection can help address disparities in access to healthcare and support.
Writing has provided me with a means to process a tumultuous past filled with challenges, from childhood trauma to my children's health struggles. It has offered me freedom and tranquility, and I wish to share this journey with you.
Thank you for joining me in this exploration of words. Subscribe for more insights directly to your inbox—no sales pitches, just shared experiences. You can unsubscribe anytime.
~ M.A.P. ~ In love, overcoming, and curated living.