journalingwithothers

Dear friend,

How are you? 

I am prepping January’s journaling workshop and wanted to share a brief memory with you about the first time I joined a women’s writing group.

I was in my 30s living in Lynchburg, VA. The group met on summer nights to write about our lives. We drank cucumber water and dipped bread in garlic infused olive oil.

More than the writing, I joined the group because I needed the support. There were things that I was too scared to say when I wrote alone.

In this group, I was able to share things aloud—with the loving gaze of other writers and scribblers. I was able to verbalize what had been silent for many years. I was able to receive the love they had for me.

I walked home in a daze feeling I had been initiated into the communion of women writers. 

While a individual practice of journaling can boost gratitude and “deep dives” into our core self because we have uninterrupted time, writing with others boosts accountability, creates community, and facilitates authentic expression. We see ourselves in the stories of others, and are no longer afraid to express what is honest.

The workshops here at the Writing Shed are “our community lab” to collect the data of our lives, to make meaning from it, and to share these stories with our peers.  And it is your presence that makes the group a transformative experience.

Journaling is vulnerable, and it’s really smart to do it with others. I know that now. 

You’re invited to join the Shed’s next women’s journaling circle on Saturday, Jan 10, from 1 – 4 p.m. Make a “pay from the heart” gift to register. Registration ends Thursday, Jan 7, and is capped at six women. 

Do you prefer a Zoom option instead (or in addition to)? Please let me know on my socials!

With anticipation for our next circle: What’s the next entry in your journal going to be about?

Love, Maggie