By Andrea Hylen, Founder of Heal My Voice
The first time I endeavored to write a short, personal story about my life was for the anthology book of stories by women called, “Conscious Choices: An Evolutionary Woman’s Guide to Life. Even though I had been a journal writer for 20+ years and had participated in book circles with women, I found myself stuck in comparing my writing to others with feelings of being vulnerable and exposed and not good enough to publish my words.
I was stuck in not knowing which story to write, what style to write it in and how to get started.
One day I was driving to New York City to have a short overnight visit with my daughter Mary. It was a three and a half hour drive in the pouring down rain with plenty of alone time in the car. I decided to listen to a book on tape. I had just stopped by the library and picked up an audio copy of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. As I listened to her voice and her words for hours, I felt her words so deeply in my heart and soul. She is a professional writer who writes with authenticity about her life and feelings.
Something surprising began to happen as I listened and felt her story. Instead of comparing my writing to hers, I was inspired to tell my own life stories. I was inspired to write from my heart; my way with my voice. I thought to myself, that’s her voice. I want to write from my voice with feelings and passion and connection to my own stories.
Listening to the book on tape inspired me to speak and write and learn how to tell my own stories. I encourage you today to read and listen to stories by other people. Instead of being intimidated by someone’s unique expression, allow them to help you open the door to yours.
Reading the words written by someone else is like listening to music. Open your heart and feel. Let your voice emerge from your soul and find the rhythm of your voice.
I did write my story by climbing into bed with my laptop every night for three weeks and letting the words and the feelings and emotions pour through me. I mentored 44 women to write their stories in the book Conscious Choices. I helped the women find the rhythm of their voices and let go of some formulaic way of writing. Three years later, I became the founder of Heal My Voice. In the first five Heal My Voice books, there are now over 100 vulnerable, powerful, authentic, personal stories and poems written by women who found the rhythm of their voice. We have created a symphony of voices.
Your Voice Matters. Find the rhythm of your voice and write your stories today.
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