Bipolar Journey

In “Writing Magic” by Gail Carson Levine, the author gives her secrets for how she has written such great books such as “Ella Enchanted” and “The Two Princesses of Bamarre.” In the beginning of the book, she gives her “vows,” an oath for writers (Pg. 6).

The Writer’s Oath
I promise solemnly:

1. to write as often as I can,
2. to respect my writing self, and
3. to nurture the writing of others.

I accept these responsibilities and shall honor them always.

Through this journey with bipolar illness, writing has been the one thing enabling me to express myself. It is the means which I express my concealed feelings. Newly diagnosed, writing was the first suggestion my therapist offered me. She had no idea of the number of years I spent quietly scripting my thoughts in notebooks, journals, and whatever scrap paper I could find. I generally keep my writing hidden away. I do not make and keep relationships well. Writing is my only one constant relationship. Opening it up could thwart my secret friend.

When I read the aforementioned oath, I promised myself I would honor it. The most necessary sentence for me is “to respect my writing self.” I do not consider myself a great writer or even a good writer. My desire to write comes from my desire to heal and stay away episodes of my illness. My need to respect myself is defined as: The certainty writing is an element of my overall wellness plan. As I have read and re-read the oath, saying it and believing works better in the first person. I apologize for liberties taken with the words.

1. I write as often as I can,
2. I respect my writing self, and
3. I nurture the writing of others.

I accept these responsibilities and shall honor them always.