Chapter 1: The Journey Back to Writing

It's easy to misplace our ability to write. Perhaps life gets busy or fatigue takes over, but eventually, the urge to express ourselves becomes overwhelming. After a hiatus of five months and eleven days, I returned to writing on the final day of July, eager to release the pent-up emotions within me.

I came back to alleviate a sense of sadness, yet I often find comfort in the melancholic feelings that accompany it. These emotions, bittersweet in nature, resonate deeply with me. For a profound understanding of this concept, I recommend exploring Susan Cain's insightful book, Bittersweet. It might shift your perspective on melancholy.

Listening to Bittersweet helped me understand my feelings of longing, especially regarding a past relationship. I was trying to rationalize my emotional struggles, but love clouded my judgment. That love, while intense and pure at the time, eventually faded, leaving me questioning its existence. Despite the signs that indicated its decline, I chose to ignore them.

Amidst the emotional chaos, I started the gradual journey of writing myself back to clarity. The rhythm of my mechanical keyboard became a cathartic release for my grief. This is the essence of how one can reconnect with their writing self.

Initiate the process. Publish your thoughts without hesitation. Don’t dwell on the past or refine your feelings; focus on editing your work instead. Allow yourself to reclaim your dignity through expression. Let those words flow freely. It's essential—both for you and for me.

In August, I published 23 poems in my personal collection, Isolation, reflecting the fractures of my heart as well as my awakening to personal growth. I also returned to Loose Words, a community I missed dearly, and began sharing my work here once again.

While I'm still in the process of rediscovery, each day is a step forward. Perfection is not the goal; it never will be. The act of pouring out words has become my remedy. Often, this expression doesn’t lead to happiness; at times, it brings even more sadness. Yet, within that sadness, I discover answers.

Writing serves as my sanctuary. It provides a space to be vulnerable away from the demands of everyday life and the expectations of others. It’s where I can let the depths of my emotions seep into my work and find healing. If even one person connects with my poetry, that connection reverberates back to me in an extraordinary way.

Life can be tumultuous, and my breakup was painful—it still lingers in my thoughts. We no longer communicate, but life moves forward. I may remain uncertain about what was real, but the words I write are undeniably genuine; they represent my essence.

I can immerse myself in my daily responsibilities or I can choose to write. I choose the latter. I hope you too find the courage to write your way back whenever you need it.

© Jonathan Greene 2022

If you enjoyed this, you might also appreciate:

• Picking Myself Up Off the Floor
• There Is Only So Much Time for Despair

Chapter 2: Rebuilding Through Writing

The first video, "How to Get Back to Writing After a Long Break | Start a New Habit & Stick to It," offers valuable insights on re-establishing your writing habit.

The second video, "How to Get Back Into a Writing Project After a Long Break | Tips & Advice," provides practical tips for diving back into your creative projects.