How Our Writing Group Became a Weekly Highlight: Finding Joy in Being Seen and Heard
I have this thing where the second I put something on my calendar, even something I sincerely want to do, it goes from being something I am looking forward to to a thing of dread. “UGH, really, that’s TODAY?!” as I look at my massage appointment…
But the last couple of weeks, two friends and I started meeting on Mondays for a writing group, and it has changed. the. game. I look at that spot on the calendar and simply cannot wait. The purpose of the group is simple: First, we each commit to writing for 60 minutes, consecutively or spread out, throughout the week, on a chosen topic or prompt. Then, we come together and we read our stories, with open hearts, open minds, curiosity, compassion, and sometimes we even talk about the song "Rich Baby Daddy" by Drake. And it all fits. And even when it doesn’t, it’s all safe there.
But seriously, it usually all follows a divine theme along some third way of being, somewhere between the old, outgrown way and the unrealistic perfect way, we couldn’t have orchestrated if we tried. This hour of the week reminds me of the vitality of friendship, of community, and of being seen and heard.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Writing Groups
Therapy is not simply being seen, heard, and held, but I swear it is the best part, and in my humble opinion, the most impactful part. So here is your invitation to call a friend, or two, or three, and give each other one hour a week, to be seen and heard and held. A writing group perhaps? Or maybe something else entirely?
Start Your Own Therapeutic Writing Group (?!)
Starting your own writing group can be a transformative experience. Whether it's for personal growth or therapeutic benefits, the act of sharing your thoughts and being heard by others can be incredibly healing. And give this gift to yourself and group members: Let it be simple.
If you do something similar, or if you need encouragement to set the date, or ask the friend, please feel free to reach out and share by emailing ecasciano@wholewellnesscounseling.org
ALL MY BEST <3 EKC
“Remember, you didn’t come here to write your heart out. You came to write it in.”
― Andrea Gibson