Saoro recently caught up with Natalie Connolly, who told us about how she started to write…
The decision to start writing, despite facing challenges like dyslexia and a lack of formal education, came as a transformative moment in my life. Having been a social care worker for 20 years, I decided to embark on a new hobby as a yoga instructor.
This change led me to the practice of journaling, which I initially resisted due to insecurities about spelling and expressing myself. The fear of judgment, especially the worry of being caught out on a bad spelling or experiencing embarrassment due to my stutter, loomed large.
However, a shift in mindset occurred when I reminded myself that the only person reading my journal was me. This realization became a catalyst for embracing the process of writing. I started slowly, using journaling prompts to guide my thoughts. Over time, I discovered that the act of writing was not about perfection but about self-expression and personal growth.
The key lesson I learned was to let go of the fear of judgment, especially my own. I began to appreciate the power of writing as a tool for self-discovery and empowerment. The message I want to share is simple yet profound: let go of the fear of others’ judgment, and most importantly, release the shackles of self-doubt. Allow yourself to write, regardless of what it looks like, because in that act of expression, you hold the power to discover, heal, and grow. It’s a liberating journey that anyone can embark upon, transcending limitations and embracing the strength within.
Natalie has shared some of her poems with us below:
I.
I am sorry for my emotions Coming out in ways I can’t control For they are all caught up in my head With thoughts I barely know
I don’t mean for them to hurt you And that I hope you know sometimes I can’t control my thoughts, they Come out in a flow
I’m getting to know my demons And many are on show Please allow me the Space sometimes So I can fully Let them go
Cut off from my feelings Cut off from my soul Where am I to find it Where am I to go All this searching and asking Refusing to really explore But then I finally realise I don’t need to search anymore For it’s the self that we truly always ignore
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