The courage to write

Finding courage to write indeed takes effort. It’s more than writers’ block or not knowing how to jiggle your fingers and work their magic on a keyboard. For years I was able to sit at a keyboard and either struggle with writing or make it look so easy. Colleagues, friends and family were sometimes in awe at the ease with which I wrote.

Effort or effortless, I got satisfaction from writing. I was a journalist. At age 47 I even earned a master’s degree. It took courage to go halfway across the continent to do this, and it was also a challenge to write academically. I did it!

Then, one night, while working as a communication advisor, I was brutally beaten. The only way to defend myself was to keep my wits and use my words. In the midst of my assault the words from the attacker resound, even to this day: "You’re a journalist. We don’t want people like you here." I responded: "No I’m not. I don’t do that any more."

My assault left scars others cannot see. Finding the courage to write again, after four years, is slowly coming back. I want to use my creative talent and be someone who can write again.

© 2007 DavidzWritings.blogspot.com