The Heart Holds History: How Writing Helped Me Heal, Grow, and Lead
- Jan 6
- 2 min read
By Christine Phipps Davis
The heart holds more than emotion. It holds history. It’s where we store the sacred, the painful, and the transformative. Just like Mary in the Bible, who “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19), we carry the moments that shape us deep within. Writing, for me, has been the key to unlocking those memories and making sense of them. It’s a safe space, unjudged, private, and wholly mine where I can lay down the weight and pick up the wisdom.
When I was younger, I would write to figure things out. I would pour my thoughts onto paper, scribbling out confusion, frustration, or sadness. And when I was done, I would tear it up and throw it away. That act was symbolic, a release, a declaration that I had made peace with the situation. Later, I began writing poetry. No matter what was going on, I would introduce my pen to my feelings, and they would dance across the page. Sometimes, those poems felt too powerful to keep to myself. I shared a few at open mic nights, hoping they might offer encouragement to someone else who needed it.
We all go through things in life: heartbreak, loss, transitions, identity shifts. And sometimes we don’t want to share them. We fear judgment. We worry that people’s impressions of us will change, or that relationships we treasure might be altered. Other times, the pain is simply too raw. Putting words to it makes it real, and that reality can feel bigger than life itself, overwhelming, even paralyzing.
But writing offers a way through. It’s a quiet outlet for bottled-up tears and fears. It allows me to express something deeply personal in a way that’s still protected. I can write about my experience without naming it directly, and unless I choose to share, no one would ever know it was mine. That freedom has been healing. It’s helped me see what thoughts and emotions are swirling inside, which ones need support, and which ones are already clear.
Writing has also helped me discover purpose. When I write down my vision, even in fragments, I begin to see patterns. Over time, I notice how my goals evolve and what steps I need to take to bring them to life. It’s a roadmap, a mirror, and a compass all in one.
Most importantly, writing has helped me lead. Through honest reflection, I’ve identified areas where I need growth, and I’ve also recognized where others may be struggling. My words have become tools, not just for personal healing, but for community support. Whether I’m crafting a proposal, encouraging a friend, or sharing a poem, I write with intention: to uplift, to connect, and to remind others that they’re not alone.
So if you’re carrying something heavy, consider writing it down. You don’t have to share it. You don’t even have to keep it. But give yourself the gift of expression. Let your heart speak. Because in those quiet moments with pen and paper, you may just find the healing, clarity, and courage you’ve been searching for.
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