Unlocking Healing Through Your Life Story: The Power of Writing Memories

Preserving your memories through writing not only safeguards them for future generations but also offers profound therapeutic benefits. Jo Morris, a seasoned writing coach based in Hawke’s Bay, shares her insights on how anyone can embark on this rewarding journey of self-discovery and healing.

The Dalai Lama’s Wisdom on Writing

The Dalai Lama, a beacon of wisdom, is known to travel with two scribes to document his teachings. Once, after making a joke, he noticed his scribes hesitating. He encouraged them, saying, “Write it down, write it down,” before bursting into laughter. This anecdote deeply resonates with Jo Morris, who conducts memory writing workshops and understands the importance of capturing every moment.

The Transformative Power of Writing

“Writing brings order, reason, and sense to the world,” says Jo, an experienced writing consultant based in Hastings. “Everyone has a unique and interesting story that deserves to be told.” For several years, Jo has been helping clients pen down their memories, ranging from childhood experiences to significant life events that capture their essence.

Writing for Personal Fulfillment

Jo emphasizes that the goal is not necessarily publication but rather personal fulfillment and the joy of sharing with family. “I have clients who have had very difficult upbringings. While they may not be able to verbally communicate their experiences to their children, writing it down provides an alternative,” she explains. This process can be incredibly healing and empowering.

Overcoming Writing Barriers

Many people struggle with the belief that they can’t write. Jo’s approach involves turning off the self-critical part of the brain. “Just because you might not have been good at school doesn’t mean you can’t give this a go,” she encourages. She suggests starting with a pen and paper, jotting down key points about family or significant life events without overthinking. The key is to just start writing.

Engaging the Senses for Vivid Storytelling

Using the senses is crucial for vivid storytelling. Jo prompts her clients to recall sensory details like the weather, sounds, and smells. “It’s about tapping into your right brain to let yourself be in that creative space,” she says. After brainstorming, she advises picking four or five key points and expanding on them using a computer. This method helps in creating a rich and engaging narrative.

Preserving Family Stories for Future Generations

Jo, who has a Masters in Poetry from Victoria University, understands the importance of recording family stories. Her maternal grandmother’s handwritten diaries, later typed and illustrated by Jo’s mother, are a testament to this. “It’s so important to keep those memories alive,” Jo says. “My grandmother was born in 1908 as a Northern Irish Protestant, so her world was very different from the one my children grew up in. But they can now read and share in her story.” This preservation of family history is a gift that keeps on giving.

Community Projects and Future Plans

Jo is involved in a memory project with Toitoi, the Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre, interviewing elderly individuals like 102-year-old Claude, who remembers Hastings before cars and experienced the Napier earthquake at age 12. These stories inspire various projects by teenagers in schools. Jo is also planning a luxury weekend writing retreat at Mangapapa Lodge in Hawke’s Bay, offering a chance to explore different writing styles. Additionally, she is organizing a writing conference for secondary schools, featuring a range of writing styles to expose students to diverse storytelling methods.

Jo’s Top Writing Tips

First Drafts Aren’t Final: Get your words down first, then focus on editing.
Overcome Fear: Push away the fear of being a bad writer.
Use Full Stops: They provide structure and clarity.
Commas for Clarity: They help readers pause and understand your message.