Writing has the power to transform our lives and bring forth our authentic selves.
In the words of acclaimed author Natalie Goldberg, the journey to finding one’s writing voice can be a profound and transformative experience.
As a homeschool mom, you have a unique perspective and a wealth of stories to share. By reflecting on Goldberg’s own writing journey and embracing her insights, you can nurture your own writing voice and unlock your creative potential.
Let’s chat about find your writing voice as a homeschool mom…
Goldberg’s exploration of her writing career reveals a pivotal moment when Zen Buddhism crossed her path, igniting her voice and giving her writing a new sense of purpose.
In her words, it was when a Jewish girl met Japanese straight-backed sitting that she truly began to sing. This realization reminds us that our writing voice can be found in unexpected intersections, where different aspects of our lives converge and resonate.
1. Embracing your authenticity is key to cultivating a powerful writing voice.
Goldberg’s experience teaches us to reflect on our personal writing journey and identify the themes and experiences that have shaped us. As a homeschool mom, your unique perspective and insights into education, parenting, and personal growth can be a wellspring of inspiration for your writing.
2. Exploring your inner world is another crucial aspect of developing your writing voice.
Goldberg’s search for salvation from a dead suburban childhood and forgotten heritage exemplifies the power of self-reflection. Take the time to delve into your thoughts, emotions, and memories, drawing upon the richness of your own experiences to infuse your writing with depth and resonance.
3. Writing also allows us to connect with others through shared experiences.
Acknowledging the universal human condition of feeling lost, Goldberg reminds us that we are all searching for a jolt home. As a homeschool mom, you have the opportunity to explore the joys, challenges, and triumphs of parenthood and education. By tapping into these universal themes, your writing can resonate with readers on a profound level, forging connections and fostering understanding.
4. Writing with passion and urgency is the final piece of advice Goldberg imparts.
The electrifying cross of gain and loss infuses our language with power and direction. As a homeschool mom, your writing is fueled by your passions, joys, and concerns. Embrace the energy that comes from writing about something you deeply care about, and let your words ignite engagement and resonance in your readers.
In your quest to nurture your writing voice, consider exploring Goldberg’s influential book, “Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within.” This invaluable resource provides practical guidance and inspiration to unleash your creativity and embrace your unique voice. Remember, the true essence of writing lies in the search for truth through words.
So, homeschool moms, seize the pen and let your voice soar. Embrace the transformative power of writing and share your stories with the world.
“I thought of my own writing career. In my early years I’d written some good poems, even won a fellowship, and had a poetry book published. I wrote about the obvious things: being a Jew, my marriage to a non-Jew, the Holocaust, and my grandparents. But I realized…it was when Zen crossed my life that I found a voice. It was when a Jewish girl met Japanese straight-backed sitting that she really began to sing….it did split me open, probably had to go that far out to come home to myself. Zen actually brought me to my front door, but this time I turned around and noticed. It gave me a way to save my own life. From what did I need salvation? From a dead suburban childhood, a forgotten heritage? The secret is we’re all lost–and those of us who come to writing is searching for one jolt home. It’s the cross of gain and loss that electrifies our language–gives it force, direction, and urgency. If I had consciously looked for a writing voice, I might have missed it.”
Natalie Goldberg
1️⃣ Reflect on Your Personal Writing Journey
Like Natalie Goldberg, take a moment to think about your own writing career and the themes that have resonated with you in the past. Consider what subjects or experiences have sparked your passion and brought your words to life. It could be an aspect of your homeschooling journey, your unique perspective as a parent, or any other meaningful aspect of your life.
2️⃣ Embrace Your Authenticity
Goldberg discovered her true voice when Zen Buddhism intersected with her life. Similarly, as a homeschool mom, find those elements that make your voice distinct and genuine. Don’t be afraid to share your personal beliefs, challenges, and triumphs. Your authenticity will resonate with your readers and make your writing more compelling.
3️⃣ Explore Your Inner World
Goldberg suggests that writing helps us save ourselves. Take the time to delve into your thoughts, feelings, and memories. Reflect on your own upbringing, heritage, and the influences that have shaped you. By examining these aspects of your life, you’ll uncover a wellspring of inspiration and a deeper understanding of yourself as a writer.
4️⃣ Embrace the Universal Human Experience
We all share the common human condition of feeling lost at times. Writing allows us to navigate and make sense of this shared experience. As a homeschool mom, you have a unique perspective on parenthood, education, and the challenges faced by families. Use your writing to connect with others on a deeper level by exploring the universal themes that touch us all.
5️⃣ Write with Passion and Urgency
Goldberg emphasizes that the cross of gain and loss electrifies our language and gives it force, direction, and urgency. As a homeschool mom, channel your passions, joys, frustrations, and concerns into your writing. Infuse your words with the energy and urgency that comes from writing about something you deeply care about. Let your voice be a conduit for your emotions and ideas, sparking engagement and resonance with your readers.
📚 If you’re seeking further inspiration and guidance in your writing journey, consider reading “Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within” by Natalie Goldberg.
This book offers valuable insights and practical advice to unleash your creativity and find your unique writing voice.
Remember, the ultimate reason to write is the search for truth through words. So, don’t hold back—just write and let your voice soar!
A Daily Homeschool Mama Journal for You!
Introducing the Daily Homeschool Mama Journal, your perfect companion to build time for yourself! With daily journal questions, weekly planner, and self-care activities, enhance your self-awareness and explore your identity while taking care of yourself. Start practicing self-awareness today!
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Teresa Wiedrick
I help homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life.
Love it! Writing us indeed a process of observing the world and finding ourselves and our place in it…our unique contribution that comes when we are truly ourselves.
Anna