My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Writing

Each day in my work, I encourage clients to write their feelings and their life experiences. I tell them research states that there is power and validation in putting it on paper (or on the computer). I've watched and loved to read my daughter's passion for writing become her love, her profession, and her receive multiple accolades for this love. I recall how happy I felt for my dad when one of his stories was published sharing stories about his father. What a special book my mom created for children on Guide Dogs using me and Pantera as the story line.

During a difficult time, I began to do the task I encourage clients to do - a grief/gratitude journal. We are juggling these two very different and intense emotions at the same time. One side of the notebook is to write out everything you are grateful for and the other side is to write out what you are grieving. Some days one side or the other gets much more time written. How often, I hear - I'm feeling so sad but I should be grateful. Yes we have both going on in our lives. Someday, I want to create a cute notebook to give clients. In the meantime, they get a small spiral notebook in their choice of colors. There is power in choice ... even if it is in choosing whether you want a pink, green, or red notebook!

A year ago I began to daily put my random thoughts on this blog. With the encouragement of my daughter, I just began to write. I've come far in my abilities on the computer. I am still learning all the amazing technology that is available to a person who is blind. I am on this fence of using fully speech adaptive technology and holding on to large print aids.

In preparing for a giveaway I will be doing on my blog (SO EXCITED ... stay tuned!), I clicked on:
Guide Dogs for the Blind
and found my article on my sweet soulmate! Another opportunity to put my thoughts into words.

Thanks so much for reading and sharing your comments and feedback. I LOVE to hear from you!

7 comments:

Lacey said...

You are a very inspiring writer Becky! I'm so glad that you started blogging too! I would not have met you if had not done so.

L^2 said...

I'm glad you started blogging too. I really enjoy it.
Writing has always been therapeutic for me. And actually I have also been keeping a gratitude journal for a couple of months now. Every night I write down (well type up - I save it in a file on my computer) a list of the memorably good and/or bad things from my day. I find it helps me to better put things into perspective.

Steve said...

You do a fine job Becky. It helps know you better each time I read it. I send you love from the guy who you can be greatful for and can sometimes cause you grief even if I never mean to. 25 years and counting getting better every moment we are together. You are awesome and I am glad you can share your many talents with the world. Thanks to all of our friends who follow this blog as we "cruise" through life together living the dream. We love you all.

Becky Andrews said...

Lacey & L^2 - Thanks to both of you for your friendships.

Steve - Ah, you are sweet ... no grief there!

Infrequent Flyers said...

I loved that essay about you and Cricket. It IS amazing how much of your life the two of you share. Priceless!

3 labs 4 me said...

Your writings are an inspiration to me. You are an amazing woman & your stories continue to uplift my spirit. Thank you my dear friend for sharing your soul & inner most thoughts to those of us who follow your life, through your blog.

Jen said...

Becky I'm glad you started blogging and really enjoy reading what you write.
I still have to read that article about you and Cricket. What kind of book did your mother write?