I am a Writer. I am a Writer. I am a writer. We are asked to begin every writing prompt with these words. Writing is a difficult task for most people and it’s even harder to proclaim “I am a writer” in written or spoken word. Many of us are concerned we don’t write well enough or don’t want to dive into the vulnerability of the task.
What I have learned from a lifetime of writing, many years in private, is that writing is simply a form of self-expression and freedom. You don’t have to be “perfect” or even “good”. Sadly, former educational experiences have undermined our confidence. We all remember receiving our papers turned back, marked up in red pen and/or with a giant red C at the top! It’s very unfortunate that many of us will never write, sing or dance again because someone long ago made a comment that we weren’t good enough.
The act of writing itself is a road to self-discovery and growth that leads to deeper connections with others which in turn leads to less isolation, overthinking, and hence, suffering!
Patty has been writing for as long as she can remember. Mostly, it was writing alone in the wee hours she stole away for herself as a married woman raising two children. The deeply personal and painful words were never shared for fear of being fully seen and judged by another. The pages were filled with the things she could not say in the light of day, things that needed to be said, but for many reasons remained unspoken.
Throughout the years, her participation in writing groups was spotty. She fondly remembers a 6-week adult ed course at her local high school being fascinating and inspiring. The stories that came from the multi-aged group opened her eyes to new and old worlds. Patty wrote one story they particularly liked, Pancake Morning, perfect for a children’s picture book. Hopefully, she’ll come across it one day in the piles of old journals stored at her Little House of Light.
Gratefully, Patty found Rebecca during Covid and has spent many hours under her wing, meeting like-minded, strong, courageous women willing to share on a deep and vulnerable level. Don’t get me wrong, this type of sharing doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time to build trust. Some join the group and choose not to share and that’s okay too. Personally, this writing group has been and continues to be an incredible gift, and although the players and dynamics have changed, it has remained a haven for her voice and a continuous growth experience.
Post retirement, she completed coursework toward a Personal Training Certificate and volunteered in the gym at her local Senior Center. Two great things came from this; she learned that her time would be better spent elsewhere and more importantly, that the Senior Center isn’t just for “old” people. It’s truly the best deal going. Currently, she takes a kick-ass Pilates class on Mondays with her besties!
Patty’s search for a way to give back continues. While vacationing in an over 55 community in Florida, the seed was planted. She was asked to hold an impromptu chair yoga/writing class. The results made her heart go thump. One woman shared her writing to the prompt, “a favorite article of clothing”. As the woman read, tears flowed, “I haven’t thought about that white dress in decades. I can’t wait to call my sister.”
It felt as if a sweet, tender tendril of a sun seeking plant had broken through the fertile soil in my soul. Deep connection is what it’s all about and Patty had found the gift she wished to share!
Upon returning to RI, she delivered a proposal to her local senior center and town library. Thus far, neither one has reached out, so she will move on to another senior center, library, and yoga studio. As her confidence builds along with her resume, she will apply to teach at OLLI. Oh, and let me tell you, OLLI is another one of the best things going! Located on the campus of URI, they offer a fantastic array of courses on every topic and activity you could think of. There is even an on-line writing group if you’re interested.
Below is a sample of my current offering. My soul smiles as I wait with great anticipation to share the gifts I have been fortunate to receive, the very same gifts that have enriched my life and set me on a path of personal growth and deeper relationships.
Writing to Connect with Self and Others
Dates and time: 3 sessions
Cost: free
Max # of participants: 15
Instructor: Patty Mancini, Writer and Yoga Instructor
Supplies: Bring 2 pens and a notebook or journal
We will slow down with gentle chair yoga and breathwork before writing to a given prompt.
Free writing means we continue to write a stream of consciousness, without a care for proper writing etiquette. No writing experience needed. Sharing is always optional. Let’s connect.