HealTree to host Starting Your Story Feb. 22
HealTree will present Starting Your Story facilitated by Lindsey Pope from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 1632 Savannah Road, Suite 10, Lewes.
Self-empowerment occurs when people make conscious decisions to take charge of their own lives. Often it involves making choices, taking action and feeling confident in one’s ability. People who are empowered understand their strengths and weaknesses, and are motivated to grow. Having the courage to face and write one’s own story can be empowering. The benefits it brings can include processing emotions, unburdening oneself, connecting with others, helping others feel less alone and being heard. Writing also gives clarity to thoughts, increases the connection between heart and mind, and increases creativity.
Empowerment through writing is also about regulating one’s nervous system. Writing also allows people to create space between their true selves and their thoughts.
Oftentimes an individual’s thought responses to situations trigger the nervous system, perhaps activating a fight-or-flight response which may manifest in the form of psychological and physiological responses such as anxiety, pain and anger. After the trigger has passed, response should move into the parasympathetic system, also known as resting and digesting or recovery. This does not always occur automatically, and individuals may find difficulty returning to the rest state especially with mental and thought-based triggers. This can increase pain, anxiety and anger, and create other difficult experiences.
Through writing, a person may be able to create the space to assist in the process of returning to rest and recovery. With the space accessed, one is also able to gain freedom over thoughts and find power to choose responses rather than reacting out of a heightened nervous system response.
Starting Your Story invites participants to use writing as a method to empower themselves in the realm of creativity, clarity and connection. In this interactive program, participants will practice writing for growth and receive some easy and effective steps to start their own stories. Participants will also learn helpful strategies to continue the practice on their own time.
Pope is passionate about sharing laughter and love through writing. She is a self-published author of “Found in Faith” and “Wisdom from the Womb.” Her first children's picture book, “Sheldon's Time,” is due to be released this year.
Cost of $45 per person includes handouts and a journal. Space is limited. To learn more or sign up, go to healtree.co or call 302-827-4683.
