We encounter each other in words, wordsspiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed,
words to consider, reconsider.Written by Elizabeth Alexander
for President Barak Obama’s Inauguration; January 2009

Prescott, Arizona; Photo Courtesy of Lisa Libowitz
Have you ever heard the echo when you yell from a mountaintop? I love the exhilaration that comes with the responsive echo. That is the way I feel each and every time I take time to write what is weighing on my conscience and even within my subconsciousness. The more that I write, regardless of whether it is my own personal journals, my blog, or my Facebook/Twitter posts, the more I feel at home within my being.
Over the last few weeks, I have realized:
- how important writing has become to my soul. . . . even more than before if that is possible. This sweet realization is leading me to feel more whole.
- how I love to write notes and journal entries with my own handwriting. I love the feel of the pen or marker in my hands, the touch of the paper, and way the writing tools flow over the paper.
- how I equally need pen/paper and my computer. I need both handwriting and electronic keyboard to articulate my thoughts; I also need my voice.
- being able to articulate my need for wrapping things in a box with all the words that I need to say before I can let go. Only once I give voice to my feelings am I am able to move forward. Just the act of releasing my thoughts or sharing my heart space allows me to let go. When I can’t do this for whatever reason, I tend to grow sad or frustrated that my purging of words does not always work well for others; I am learning to navigate this.
- if I am not writing, I must be in a dark place. Writing fuels my soul.
Words empower me to do what Emily Dickinson called ‘dwell in the possibility’. I would not be the woman I am if I did not have my writing.
May all writing always exhilarate my spirit, give me wings to soar, and help me to navigate the many voices in my head.
Onward!
Now & Always
PS – Over the next few weeks, I will be playing with ways to my very own gift box of my favorite words. Let me know if you have any creative ideas for how to do this. 🙂