Writing has always been a form of therapy for me. It helped in my youth while living with an abusive father and to this day, I can use writing to exert those negative emotions rather than taking my frustrations out on another person. Over the years, I have learned to use my poetry to target specific topics, causes and be a little more positive, but there’s no better form of detoxing than writing.

Life can get chaotic, and more and more people have a habit of keeping their feelings bottled up and eventually explode with regrets of harsh words said. You can be a single mom with no time or anyone to talk to, a teenager with peer pressure issues or even a veteran who is coping with PTSD. If you can’t afford a therapist, then writing is definitely the next best thing. Even if you are not a skilled writer, there are a few ways you can use the art as a detox.

Free Writing

Just by grabbing a pen and letting it flow on paper is one of the best forms of therapy. Just write and write until you get everything off your chest. It doesn’t have to be something to share, just a practice to keep for your own sanity. Start a journal and write in it each time you feel angry or frustrated. You may have a collection to look back on in a year and see how different things were.

Letters

Some people are not that great with one on one conversation, so if you are the introvert type, pen a letter to someone you need to talk to. Express yourself freely in a letter and explain to that person why you chose this method. You may feel much better when you are done.

Autobiography

Are you haunted by events of the past? Write in an autobiographical fashion to rid yourself of those repressed feelings. Write it in the style of an essay or journal and maybe you can publish it later to help someone else.

Poetry

If you are struggling with an issue you prefer to keep in the dark, try a bit of poetry. Combine images with emotions to speak about life’s woes. Try using metaphors if you rather not get literal about what you have experienced. Remember, poetry doesn’t always have to rhyme. Just write what comes from the heart.

Written by: Donna J. Sanders

Donna is a freelance writer and blogger in West Palm Beach, FL. She is the author of Ataraxia, Cardboard Signs, Devour Me and Charcoal Kisses.

Find out more about her here:

• https://theraven6825.wordpress.com/
• www.facebook.com/theraven6825
• http://www.ctupublishinggroup.com/donna-j.-sanders.html

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Categories: Writing Tips

Tags: creative writing, Freestyle, Inspiration, journal, letters, Poetry, writing, Writing Tip, Writing Tips