Don't Burn Your Journals Yet: Finding Yourself on the Written Page

Constance and Lori speak to Ellen Blum Barish, a writing coach and memoir author. Even if writing is not your thing, listen in to our lively conversation about leaning in to this form of creativity as a tool for growth and reflection as we age.For starters, we discuss the hidden value of writing for people who don’t like to write. Ellen suggests looking through the old stuff we tuck in drawers and stash away in closets and think about the stories they have to tell. Also, think about using photos we have stored in our phones as prompts for our writing We jump back to our adolescence when many of us poured ourselves into our diaries and journals, and used writing as an early form of self expression. And at this time of life, we explored the possibility of using writing as part of a Life Review. This can be an important process that makes connections over the course of our life to look at and rewrite the narratives of our lives. Finally, we offer a fun little writing challenge to our listeners that may land you on the WADY website. So listen in and get your creative juices flowing. And don’t forget to hang around for our “After Thoughts” where Lori and Constance unpack the episode and chat about our thoughts on what we heard. SHOW NOTESIf you are interested in learning more about Ellen's work, check out her website: https://www.ellenblumbarish.com/If you are interested in learning more about Ellen's memoir "Seven Springs" check out this link: https://www.ellenblumbarish.com/my-workIf you are interested in learning more about the book that Constance mentioned in the podcast that offers writing prompts, check out this link: https://www.suleikajaouad.com/the-book-of-alchemyWe would love to hear from you! Do you have ideas for future podcasts? Want to be a guest on our podcast? Please send your comments/suggestions/criticisms/encouragement to: Email: [email protected] & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-aint-dead-yet/id1828702362Follow the show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578375460053 Visit our website: https://wady.buzzsprout.comListen Here! (Our linktree will direct you to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods, and Pocket Casts)You can text Fan Mail to the link below, but heads-up, we are unable to respond to these Fan Mail Texts. If you'd like a reply, please reach out on our FB/Substack/or email/or include your email address in your Fan Mail Text. TYSend us Fan MailBeautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art. Eleanor Roosevelt