Writing for wellbeing

In this month’s column, Michelle Gant, Director of The Engaging People Company, is planning a second volume of ‘The Things I Wish I’d Known’ book, in time for International Women’s Day 2025 – and offers tips on writing for wellbeing

I am passionate about encouraging and supporting people to put pen to paper or finger to keypad, because it is so good for our wellbeing. I write for myself every day, and at the trickiest times of my life, I always turn to writing to find answers, for comfort, and above all, just to get out whatever I am carrying in my head. The thing about writing is that you don’t actually have to share your words with anyone else (although if you do want to do so, then I am here for you! More of which later…) And sometimes, often, it can be easier to write down what you’re carrying rather than saying it out loud.

One of my top tips for writing for yourself would be to write as if no-one’s reading (because they don’t have to). That means, don’t worry about grammar, language, terminology; it means write without judging yourself; it means no holding back. Keep going until the words fall away. And it may be that, as you read your words back, you find new perspective and understanding.

Writing can be so good for us, and a common thing I hear from the amazing people who take part in my books is how much they enjoy the process of writing – which can sometime be surprising if someone has never thought of themselves as being ‘good’ at writing, a hangover often from school days. (NB. We can all write. Trust me. It’s just a case of putting one word in front of the other).

The other thing that I love about words is how they can connect us; how, by sharing our experiences and thoughts, we can reach out to people. Sometimes, often, unknowingly.

This was the place where our book The Things I Wish I’d Known started from. This is a collection of essays by women published to coincide with International Women’s Day 2023, raising money for Women’s Aid. Because, as the saying goes, ‘when women support each other, incredible things happen.’

In this book, women shared their experiences and the things they’d learnt along the way and in doing so, sought to reach out to other women. Common themes such as imposter syndrome, self-esteem, and confidence featured in the book, and I was struck by what a privilege it was that these amazing women had shared their vulnerabilities to tell their stories.

I have recently been speaking to some of my fantastic contributors and we would like to do a second volume to publish on International Women’s Day next year, to reach and connect again, and of course, to raise more money for the amazing work of Women’s Aid. I am looking for contributors for this volume of words by women for women so if you would like to take part, please do get in touch with me – michelle@engaging-people.co.uk (By the way, if you’re reading this thinking, I’d like to, but I don’t think I can, I can tell you for sure, yes you absolutely can. 100%. And I will be here to support you). If we get enough takers, then I would love to publish a second volume on 8th March. And who knows who we might reach.

Words have power.

In the meantime, here are some extracts from the first book:

“….as I get older and the time I have left diminishes, I favour slowing down, making time to think and reflect, to watch and listen to those around me. As my boys grow older and approach important milestones, I hear myself encouraging them to take their time, to give things a try, to be open to possibilities and opportunities…” Vicky Etheridge

“Negative thoughts about my disability simply do not exist…I have the know-how and life skills to avoid confrontation if I need to but also the confidence and strength to not be afraid to challenge it. I have found my place in the world.” Marie Connell

“With the education came the opportunities that alongside life learning has taught me that I did have it in me. Circumstances out of my control had held me back. But I am and always was good enough. Life is about knowing your worth and knowing that you can achieve what you want.” Jacqueline Fry

“…it’s great to have a childhood ambition, but it doesn’t have to define you forever! It’s always possible to change direction! We make our own opportunities! It’s never too late to start again.” Steph Allen

“I wish I had known it’s ok to say how you feel. It’s ok to disagree with other people. The world will not end if you do. It’s ok to be strong and not follow the crowd. Make daft mistakes. Laugh at yourself! And stop worrying what others think and stop with the guilt.” Sarah Dennis

You can find our lovely book here and if you’d like to be in the next volume please do get in touch.

Visit The Things I Wish I’d Known: Amazon.co.uk. Email michelle@engaging-people.co.uk.

Featured images – supplied