Hi I'm Lynsey – I find writing out my thoughts in my lovely, currently pink infused leather journal, a great way to help me explore, enjoy and work through life's experiences. I enjoy writing silly and heartfelt poems and rhyming writing about my lovely family. I write poems about my experience of living with, fighting with, and tolerating muscle and joint stiffness. I have also been sustained by journal writing in a celebratory way. As a parent, I enjoy capturing the language my girls use, as they discover the world around them and placing those ideas into poems. Being in the moment, balancing the impulse to seek, solve and resolve painful physical moments by fully noticing what is in front of me and gaining relief and joy in simple moments. Guidance on self-care, in advance of feel, Write Fly Journal Writing Workshops
o Self-care and personal responsibility is key – if you find when you are writing you are feeling uptight or not OK, then take a break. Close the book or screen and stop. Leave the room, go outside, get fresh air. o Writing shouldn’t be a pressure or a task
o You are writing for yourself, no one else. There should be no pressure to write well, spell correctly, for it to look neat
o Writing can also include art, doodles, scribbling. Your journal is yours, there is no right and wrong. o If you feel your inner critic is making you think and feel things, then stop what you are writing and perhaps start writing to your inner critic, telling them what you think? o You have choice over what, when and how you write
o You will not be asked to share your writing. After the workshop STOP and THINK about “what, with who and when” if you are feeling you would like to share any writing from a workshop, to ensure you are well supported. o Give yourself time after the workshop to reflect on the process and if needed, practice self- care
Writing can stir emotions, so if you need more urgent support, here are some useful links. Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year –Call 116123
Mental Health Charity Shout TEXT 85258
UKCP Find a Therapist (psychotherapy.org.uk)
Counselling Directory Counselling Directory - Find a Counsellor Near You (counselling-directory.org.uk)
