I used to take memoir writing workshops with Anna Camilleri, author of I am a Red Dress, many years ago. I’d take the GO bus in and out of Toronto just to attend her evening workshops. It was a gift I gave to myself that I’ve never once regretted.

One thing she taught me is that it’s important to share from the scar, not the wound. The scar is the place where you will do the most good because it has the most strength.

This is one of the reasons I take a lot of time to process before I share. Sometimes many many years. I’ve spent a lot of my life living in reactivity and hurting myself and others because of it. Now, it is more important than ever that I continue to choose this slow way of sharing.

I know a lot goes on in the world, and I do feel pressure to share my thoughts before I’m ready. I’ve had to resist this over and over again.

So, if you see that I’m quiet when everyone else is talking about an issue know that I’m reflecting and waiting for the scar. Or if you read something about my life and you worry about me, know that I’m sharing from the scar.

 

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