Discovering the Power of Column Writing
by Rahim Said
This is a story of how I stumbled upon a new form of therapy; writing columns that eventually turned into a form of remedy.
As I reached the age of 75, life had thrown its share of challenges my way. Retirement had given me more free time than I had ever anticipated. And then came the lockdown, an unexpected twist in the tale of my golden years. I had never been one to sit idly, and suddenly, I found myself grappling with a sense of aimlessness.
One quiet evening, while aimlessly scrolling through my smartphone, I stumbled upon a little app called Newswav. It is a little known news aggregator with big dreams.
It promised a diverse selection of articles and columns from various writers.
Curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to explore the world of words hidden behind my screen.
The very first column I read resonated with me in a way I hadn’t expected. It was about the therapeutic benefits of writing. The author described how putting one’s thoughts on paper could be a form of self-therapy, a way to navigate the complexities of life.
This is “expressive writing” and is recommended by most experts. What it means is you are advised to write about an event that is emotional or stessful to you because it could be more beneficial than just merely journaling.
I was intrigued by the idea and decided to give it a try. I grabbed a pen and an old notebook, and I began to write.
At first, the words came out hesitantly, as if I was trying to speak after years of silence. But as I continued, something remarkable happened. The act of putting my thoughts into words became a form of catharsis, a release of pent-up emotions that had been accumulating for years.
I realized that writing allowed me to engage in deep self-reflection. I could explore my past, my dreams, and my fears on those pages.
It was like a conversation with myself, a chance to understand my own thoughts and feelings more clearly. Writing became a mirror, showing me a reflection of my own soul.
But the benefits of writing extended beyond self-reflection. It was a lifeline during the lockdown, a way to combat the loneliness and isolation that had suddenly become a part of my life.
I started sharing my writing on a news aggregator platform and to my surprise, it connected me with a community of like-minded individuals.
We shared our stories, our thoughts, and our struggles, and in doing so, we found a sense of camaraderie that transcended the physical boundaries of our isolated lives.
With the help of editors at the news platform, I conducted a number of workshops to bring these like-minded individuals together, some of whom are now regular contributors themselves.
In these sessions we explored issues that were foremost on our minds. It reminded me of sensitivity sessions that I went through as an undergraduate in 1960s where people laid bare their feelings before others in support groups.
Writing became my escape from the stresses of the world outside. It was a sanctuary where I could pour my heart out, address my fears, and find solace. It was a means of rediscovering purpose in my retirement, a way to contribute, to inspire, and to connect.
The lockdown may have confined me to my home, but through the power of writing, I had unlocked a world of endless possibilities. I met new people and reached out to others whom I would have never known had I kept to myself not sharing my views with the rest of the world.
Writing became my therapy, my confidant, and my saviour. It was a journey of self-discovery, a means to navigate the challenges that life had thrown my way. And as a 75-year-old man, I had discovered a new passion that would accompany me on this journey through the later years of my life.
I think I have found my ikigai (ee-key-guy), or the reason for living. Ikigai is a combination of two Japanese words, Iki and Kai. Iki is “Live” and Kai means “Effect“. It is a common belief that the secret to longevity among manyJapanese is having a reason for living.
I am sure writing may just be my own recipe for a long and happy life that could be yours as well if you just embrace ikigai.
WE
Rahim Said is a human behaviourist and a regular contributor on digital media network. He has a varied professional history, with experience in roles such as management consultant, mentor, corporate trainer, and executive coach. His expertise lies in guiding senior executives and individual entrepreneurs, to modify their behaviour in alignment with their cherished mission.