Teacher tales.....: Writing is good for the mind, body and soul

Teacher tales.....: Writing is good for the mind, body and soul: I've had a bit of writer's block over the last few weeks. Had a lot going on and been trying to hone in on a topic of interest. Writ...

Writing is good for the mind, body and soul

I've had a bit of writer's block over the last few weeks. Had a lot going on and been trying to hone in on a topic of interest. Writing, that's it. I've missed writing. I've missed the feeling of thoughts flowing from my brain, down through my arms and wrists, and out my finger tips. Writing frees me. It relieves my mind; it slows my breathing and it just, plain and simple, relaxes me. When I sit with students in writing class, this ease doesn't always exist. "I can't think of what to write about," or "I'm done," are things I hear. Tools. That's all they need are tools. Open the toolbox and reach inside. There you will find your experiences, your dreams and wishes, your family and friends. You'll find your puppy when you first brought him home or your baby sister, just born in the hospital. See, writing doesn't have to be based on far-fetched, glamorous ideas. Writing is a way for you to share what's happened to you. It's for you to share what you wish would happen. It's for you to describe moments in your life that have been etched in your memories. A simple visit to grandma's for the holiday. The first time you baked cookies. Fighting with your best friend. See, these ideas are not grandiose, nor are they unique. However, the way in which you tell your story; woven with description and language; that makes it YOURS. As writers, we owe it to each other to tell our stories. As writers we need to listen to the world around us and snatch moments and stuff them into our pockets. What we write isn't always perfect, and it takes a lot of practice and stamina. But, in time, your toolbox will be busting with ideas; ideas that you cannot wait to share.

Writing means freedom. Writing means optimism. Writing is good for the mind, body and soul.