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19 June 2024

Writing as Medicine: The Healing Power of Writing

 


Everyone has their own way of dealing with stressful or emotional events. Many people believe that talking about difficult life experiences can ease the emotional pain of trauma. The latest studies I've heard about indicate that expressing emotions may also speed up physical healing. It showed that writing can have a calming effect, cutting bodily recovery time nearly in half.

Although I had no physical wounds that needed healing when I began to write, I have had my share of emotional pain. It wasn't easy to convince myself of the need to share the traumatic events connected with my last two furry companions, Lana and Darren. You see, they were both diagnosed with canine epilepsy in the prime of their life, and this illness didn't just take its toll on them but also my husband and me. 

Dogs with epilepsy are capable of living fulfilling and purposeful lives!

After we lost both of our dogs within four days of each other, I felt as if I was stuck at the bottom of a deep and dark pit. And what is there left to do but to look up and figure out how to climb out!? I decided to utilize our experiences with Lana and Darren to shed light on the challenges of canine epilepsy and to provide encouragement to other pet owners whose dogs are affected by this condition. The key message that I want to convey is that dogs with epilepsy are capable of living fulfilling and purposeful lives!

Over the span of two years, I dedicated countless hours to refining the manuscript for Living with Canine Epilepsy. Every word, sentence, and paragraph underwent meticulous scrutiny as I painstakingly revised and reworked the content. Immersed in my own story, I delved into the intricate details of structure, pacing, and language, crafting each edit until it resonated with a deep sense of satisfaction. Although plenty of medical texts were available at the time, the variety of material on canine epilepsy from an owner's perspective was somewhat limited.

The process of creating this book became a transformative journey for me. Amid the intensive research into canine epilepsy, I encountered a profound shift within myself. While the memories of Lana and Darren will forever evoke a sense of loss, they no longer plunge me into the depths of despair. Instead, I now behold these cherished recollections with a newfound sense of peace, free from the burden of guilt. Through this book, I aspire to instill hope in fellow pet owners, offering them a glimpse into our experiences with this disease and the possibility of brighter days ahead. 

Rediscover the joy of smiling once more!

Despite my initial skepticism, I cannot deny the therapeutic effect that this writing process has had on me. It has granted me the ability to rediscover the joy of smiling once more.

Have you had a similar experience? Has your writing found its roots in a traumatic event? Tell us about your writing journey!


Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedInFacebookMedium, and Goodreads.
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