Happy To Be Writing

When I sit at my computer to write my blog, a short story, or book I completely lose track of time and am able to forget about everything else. I just thought it was my form of escapism. 

An internet article titled Writing Your Way to Happiness written by Tara Parker-Pope tells of recent scientific studies that show that engaging in creative writing has health benefits as well.

Parker-Pope writes:

“The scientific research on the benefits of so-called expressive writing is surprisingly vast. Studies have shown that writing about oneself and personal experiences can improve mood disorders, help reduce symptoms among cancer patients, improve a person’s health after a heart attack, reduce doctor visits and even boost memory.”

What is it about putting words down on paper that is a life game changer? Since I've been writing regularly for the past seven years, I decided to interview myself to see how writing has benefitted me. 

•   You started out by writing your memoir—what did you learn in the process?          “Perspective!  I learned that my life was like a puzzle with a lot of pieces scattered about.             By putting the pieces of the puzzle down on paper, events and circumstances started making     sense. I discovered that time has to pass in order for a true perspective to be gained.”

• How has writing made you a happier person?                                                                      “When I published my book, it opened doors for speaking so that I could share my life lessons   with others. There is also a sense of satisfaction that I am leaving my written words as a            legacy for future generations. Writing on my blog helps me stay connected to family and            friends and that always makes me happy.”

Since I am working with my husband, Charles to compile his memories for a future book, I decided to ask him the same questions.

     ·  What have you learned so far in the process of writing down your memories?

       “I’m finding out what molded my life and am discovering that God has been directing me all               along. I agree that my memory has been boosted as I am able to recall vivid detail about my                 life.”

     ·      Has writing your memories made you a happier person?

        “I’ve always been a happy, optimistic person. I don’t think writing has added to that except that            once my book is published, I hope it will benefit others with their life struggles. That will make          me happy.”

So if you are dealing with a problem or trying to put the past behind you, cozy up to a pad and pen or your mouse and laptop and let it all hang out. It can be much cheaper and less trouble than getting professional help.

PS.  I am so happy I was inspired to write this blog and get it posted before my self-imposed February 28 deadline.  J

Sacrificial Love

It’s Valentine’s Day—a time to share hearts, flowers, chocolates, and words about romantic love. Just like every other female, I like that stuff.  But the best gifts I ever received were not perishable like flowers and chocolates, but touched and changed my life in ways I never imagined. Three times when I was in desperate need, I received three amazing gifts of sacrificial love.

The word sacrificial is described in the dictionary as: “the act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get or do something else or to help someone.”

My first experience with sacrificial love occurred when I was 21 years old, and found myself struggling to make sense of my life and wanting hope for a better future. After searching in many places, I realized that God was offering me the free gift of his sacrificial love. He gave up all the glories of heaven and came to earth as Jesus to die on cross so that I could have eternal life. All I had to do was accept His life changing gift. I now have meaning and purpose each day that I never before imagined.

Sacrificial love came again into my life when I was in my early fifties and I was facing a bleak future because of terminal liver disease. For many years I had felt a sense of impending doom knowing that my life’s time clock was rapidly ticking down. I was widowed and an empty nester and at times felt very alone as I faced a very uncertain future and a scary liver transplant. No man in his right mind marries a woman with terminal liver disease, but that is exactly what happened to me. God sent Charles into my life at just the right time. We both risked it all not knowing how long we would have together and after almost nineteen years of marriage are convinced more than ever that we made the right decision.

Two years later I received the blessing of sacrificial love again when I was admitted to the hospital to wait for a liver transplant. A family of strangers in the midst of their grief and loss made a decision to donate their daughter’s organs. My transplanted liver enabled me to regain my health and have a second chance at life. The thank you letter I wrote anonymously to my donor family could not adequately express the overwhelming emotion of gratitude that I still feel even to this day. 

I am challenged every day to show sacrificial love to those around me, so that they too can pass it on to others. Those deeds will last long after February 14 has come and gone.

You can read the rest of my story in my memoir “Born Three Times–A New Life, A New Liver, A New Love.” 

Order it from Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Born-Three-Times-Life-Liver-ebook/dp/B00A3UBK9C/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423938011&sr=1-1&keywords=Born+Three+Times