Boca Cerrada: The Joy in Being Unearthed

October 20^th. Tuesday. Boca Cerrada, Corazón Abierto (Mouth Closed, Heart Open).

I’ve heard a handful of writers say that writing chose them, but in my case, I chose it. 

Writing was something that unearthed me, at a very young age, when I felt buried too far down to ever want to come out.  Writing was an escape when I struggled with suicide, cutting, anxiety and postpartum depression. 

I resuscitated myself, on paper, each time my thoughts and actions led me down a path that was never fit for me.

Terry Gross of NPR loves to interview artists because she says, “[Artists are] the people we designate to open up their lives for examination so that we can understand better who we are.  They offer up their own stories like what Updike would call ‘specimen lives.’ Examples of what it’s like to be human.” 

I believe my struggle was intentional and my outlet was purposeful.  Where writing used to be an escape, now it is a lifestyle, a necessity and a catalyst for others to find hope in what they must endure. 

Whether I’m good at writing or not, I’ve sought after it with my whole heart.  I earned a degree in English that took me 10 years to obtain.  I wrote when I had nothing left inside of me to offer the world. 

I wrote when God responded to my weakness with, “Just keep going.” 

Writing means so much to me.  I have newly promised to use it to help someone else unearth their own gift(s).  I pray that my honesty shines a light on what you might be struggling through.  Your story and mine holds purpose.

Do you know what your gift is?  How are you using your gift to encourage or inspire someone else?  Are you quiet long enough to allow your gift to surface?  Today, practice con la boca cerrada.