How Writers Find Moments Of Peace

 

4 Anxious writers share how they found moments of peace

When American novelist, Karen E. Bender, writer of the story collection, Refund, was a sophomore in college, she developed anxiety attacks related to her final exams. She claims what helped her the most was when her friend Margaret pointed to a giant textbook on the floor and advised her to give it á little boot”. Of course she was joking but Karen took her advice and kicked it. She saw the absurdity of the situation. A friend who jokes with you in a time of pain can help you remember the person you were before-and the strong person you will eventually become again.

Laura Hillenbrand, bestselling author of Seabiscuit, spent decades largely housebound by illness. One fall, she decided to take a cross-country drive to move to Oregon. She was terrified due to the enormous risk to her health this trip would entail, so she decided to ask her friends to send quotes that would give her courage and faith in herself. Their words lifted her and carried her through. As it turns out, what she feared would be an ordeal became a magical adventure.

Last year, Helen Oyeyemi, British author of What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours, put a bit more strain on her nerves than she was willing to admit. Then one day she was on a plane and sat next to a kindly lady and felt extremely cold, a feeling she equated with losing control. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep. Her seatmate tenderly tucked a blanket around her, with a few little pats to ensure complete coverage. She claims that the warmth of that gesture had a greater effect than the blanket itself.

Margo Rabb, author of Lucy Clark Will Not Apologize, moved four times after her daughter was born as they coped with job layoffs and tried to forge a life that balanced work and family. During all these upheavals, she discovered that no matter how long they stayed in one place, she could soothe her unsettled and rootless feelings by planting a small flower garden. She claims that, as each plant bloomed, she began to see the beauty — and to set down roots — even in a temporary home.

When you look within yourself, do you see peace or conflict? I consider inner peace to be a major life accomplishment. In todayś world, it can be hard to feel peaceful. We should all work towards a life of harmony and seek a calm spirit.