#53 The Joy of Writing Things Down with Researcher, Writer, and Mentor Dr Megan C. Hayes
Where do you find joy and curiosity in life?
In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I chat with Dr Megan C Hayes, a researcher, writer, mentor and relentless optimist.
We explore how creative writing can serve as a tool for self-discovery and emotional expression. Megan shares her personal journey, the importance of curiosity in the creative process, and the significance of reconnecting with one's inner child.
Megan has published four books, numerous journal articles and research papers, founded the Joyful School of Writing, an online school of all things creative writing, and developed The Positive Journal®, an approach to personal writing combining the science of positive psychology and the power of the page.
In this episode:
- Using writing as a simple way to incorporate wellbeing into life.
- Embracing curiosity is a vital strength for creative individuals.
- Seeing creative writing as a joyful process of reunion with lost parts.
- The metaphor of journalling as flexible, just like friendships.
- The blank page can be intimidating but it is also a mirror.
- Trust in the writing process takes time.
The conversation delves into the emotional depth of writing, the challenges posed by external pressures, and the therapeutic aspects of writing, likening it to a flexible friendship that evolves with time and personal growth.
Please connect with Megan to follow her work, download a free set of writing tools, enrol in online courses, book a one-to-one session or purchase numerous writing resources.
Also mentioned in this podcast:
- James Pennebaker
- Dr Celia Hunt
- Dr Sophie Nicholls
- Martin Seligman
- VIA Character Strengths
- Katherine May ‘Enchantment’
- Laurie Lee ‘Cider with Rosie’
- The Happiness Project by Light Box, Bristol
- The Natural Academy
Soundbites from Megan
"It's a real privilege to be a mentor."
"We can often surprise ourselves."
"We meet those parts of ourselves again."
"The blank page is like a mirror."
"Trust takes time in any relationship."
"I feel most myself in natural spaces."
"Nature mirrors how we're feeling inside."
Podcast Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Writing and Wellbeing
02:49 The Journey of Writing and Wellbeing
06:04 Exploring Creative Writing and Identity
08:48 The Emotional Depth of Writing
11:50 Curiosity and Creativity in Writing
15:09 Reconnecting with the Inner Child
17:52 The Relationship with Self through Writing
20:58 Navigating External Pressures and Inner Whispers
29:29 The Therapeutic Nature of Writing
32:36 Writing as a Flexible Friendship
35:53 Overcoming the Blank Page
39:39 Trusting the Writing Process
43:26 Nature's Influence on Creativity
54:12 Connecting with Megan C. Hayes
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A new episode is released every Saturday at 8 am.
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