Unveiling the Power of Words: How Writing Helps Heal and Inspire
Sometimes, the greatest challenge I face is deciding what to write about each month. Some months, the words flow effortlessly, while other times it feels like a struggle. Writing serves as a cathartic outlet for me, constantly engaging my mind and prompting reflection. It keeps the memories of Madeline vivid and alive. Personally, I consider it a social obligation to continue sharing my thoughts through writing. I am aware that I am not alone in this journey.
Recently, I had the privilege of being interviewed by JP Bédard, who is working on a book about resiliency. JP is connecting with individuals worldwide who have faced various forms of adversity, whether stemming from personal loss, social challenges, physical hardships, or geopolitical circumstances. He is speaking with both well-known figures and ordinary people like you and me, who have encountered significant struggles in life and triumphed over them.
JP is well-versed in the subject of resilience. He is an author, advocate, and elite endurance athlete, and he was recognized as one of the "50 Most Influential Canadians" by the Huffington Post. JP turned to long-distance running as a means to battle his addiction and mental health issues. During my hour-long interview with JP, I had the opportunity to hear his story and learn about everything he has endured and bravely shared as an advocate for victims of sexual abuse. And yet, he is now interviewing me about resilience?
In some ways, openly discussing the loss of our daughter to suicide has placed me in an uncomfortable spotlight. I have chosen this path rather than grieving in private, but does it make my heartbreak, sadness, or distress any less profound? When I wrote my first blog post about Madeline, I experienced intense reservations before hitting the "send" button, knowing that I was exposing my vulnerability to social media scrutiny. Did that make it easier for me to find the motivation to get out of bed each morning or to pick myself up and carry on? Perhaps, to some extent. I believe in my social responsibility, and that gives me strength. However, does losing a child to suicide make me uniquely qualified to speak about parenting? I would argue quite the opposite.
A few weeks ago, an old friend approached me at a gathering and referred to me as her hero for having the courage to write about what I do. As flattering and humbling as those words may be, I am often uncomfortable with such accolades. I write because I believe it is crucial for people to feel comfortable discussing mental illness and initiating those conversations with their children. During that same event, five individuals approached me and shared their experiences. They opened up about the challenges they were facing with their children or the personal struggles they had endured. The fact that they felt safe enough to confide in me suggests that some of the social stigma surrounding mental illness is gradually diminishing, or perhaps there is solace in speaking with someone who has experienced profound loss due to this affliction. As long as there are people willing to read and engage with my writing, I will continue to share my thoughts on the subject.
Our discussion about resiliency, JP Bédard, has sparked profound contemplation within me. It is not merely the experiences and loss of Madeline that have shaped my resilience, but rather how I will navigate every disappointment, setback, or loss that occurs after April 10th, 2015. Everything else will pale in comparison.
