COMPASSION 212 Summer 2022

Summer 2022 - Compassion | www.tcf.org.uk 19 There is a wonderful freedom in blogging as you have free rein to choose your own topics and no one constrains your content beyond what is decent and reasonable to share. There is an important point to remember here, too. I only share about my life and family and James, that which I am happy to share. I have never written anything and afterwards thought ‘I shouldn’t have said that’. I write honestly and from the heart, but the ultimate decision on what to share is mine alone. Between 2014 and 2018 I wrote much about finding positivity in life after loss, and there came a point when I realised I had sufficient material on the themes of love, light, hope, resilience, faith and joy to begin collating a second book. Thus, Living in the Mourning Light eventually came into being. The added bonus to this second book is that it is available in audio format as well as paperback and e-book. Since retiring in December 2021, I have discovered joyful new avenues for writing which consist of running a creative writing group, writing a fortnightly press column, creating blog posts for our local church and helping to edit the local community magazine from time to time. My creativity is being exercised in new directions, which keeps my brain active. Whilst I still bring the topics of grief and loss into my writing, they are no longer at the forefront of my consideration when I am thinking about writing. This feels like a natural, healthy progression. The healing power of writing comes from sharing reflections, thoughts and emotions and like Michael Rosen, I feel that there is indeed both ‘relief and release on the page’ with every blog post, article, chapter or letter that is written. Andrea Corrie Blog at: andreacorriesblog.wordpress.com Both books are available from the TCF library. Living in the Mourning Light is available to buy from TCF ( tcf.org.uk/books ) and the audio version can be borrowed from the RNIB.