Transforming Memories: Spontaneous Writing Using Loaded Words

From different families and different childhoods, three women remember and speak out about the secrecy, silence, and shame of having an alcoholic parent. Through spontaneous writing with "loaded words" and person-to-person sharing, the women embarked on a transformative journey in which painful images were brought to light, were accepted, and became less painful. Transforming Memories is a collection of their healing writings and an invitation to others, whatever their past burdens, to use the technique of spontaneous writing to reveal difficult memories more clearly.

About the Author :
Author of the award winningPrivileged Presence: Personal Stories of Connections in Health Care, LizCrockerowns Canada s oldest children s bookstore and holds leadership positions with a number of healthcare and cultural organizations. Polly Bennell has a life-coaching practice for writers. Holly Book ministers to the homeless and those struggling with addiction on the streets of Atlanta"

Review :
"What is exciting about this book is that it doesn't just tell us what to do; it shows us with examples coupled with suggestions and prompts. This is memoir in action where the reader will experience intimate stories from the authors lives as they make their own discoveries. Perhaps because so much has been shared by the writers, it feels as if a safe space has been created and anyone attempting a similar journey into their past will be held and supported within the suggested structure." Paul Dodgson, UK playwright, musician, and creative writing tutor" "Transforming Memories is a powerful testimony to the personal transformation that can begin when one finds the courage to take a flying leap across the chasm of isolation and silent self-judgment to a place where curiosity about the self one might become has a chance to flourish. Compassion, for ourselves and for and from others, helps us find that courage. Some embark on this journey of self-realization alone, others, like the authors, find strength in a trusted community. There is no map for this uniquely personal journey, but the authors offer some tools and resources one can use along the way. These are tools that just might enable one, in the words of the poet John O Donohue, 'To live the life that I would love.'" Beth A Lown, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Mount Auburn Hospital; Medical Director, The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare" "It's miraculous that deep in the human psyche and spirit is a force of healing waiting, ready to push us towards surprising insights and transformation. With guidance, with intention, we can release this amazing potential. These three wise women through their honesty, open hearts and wisdom can be your guides. Let the alchemy begin when the first words appear at the tip of your pen." Rob Rutledge, MD, author of, The Healing Circle; Chair, and CEO, HealingandCancer.org" "We each have moments from our past that jolted us from the innocence of childhood into a sometimes, unforgiving realty. This is a book of such moments. Through guided writing exercises, the authors do an exceptional job of aiding their readers to write about their moments, and through such writing, find meaning and bring healing to old wounds." Donna Morrissey, award-winning author, The Fortunate Brother" What a great gift this book will be for readers. Transforming Memories is like a comforting walk with an understanding friend three friends in fact. The three authors are so brave, so candid, so experienced, and so encouraging in how they work through issues from their own pasts. Their example is a beacon of encouragement for anyone who has experienced challenge or trauma and wants to hunker down to work through their own memories." Gillian Deacon, author, Naked Imperfection and There s Lead in Your Lipstick"