DUNCAN — Everyone is touched by grief in some way. Be it the loss of a loved one, regret over an unrealized dream, or a hurtful experience suffered in life, everyone must deal with sadness.
Kelly Brown of Duncan has learned that writing can be a form of therapy for dealing with life’s ups and downs, and is compiling a book, “Letters from the Heart,” featuring both her own thoughts and those of others who shared their feelings with her.
“After the sudden, tragic death of my father five years ago, I realized that we all carry a burden and found that through writing I was able to release a lot of what I was feeling.
“I felt like if I could just write a letter to my dad, that I would not have that burden anymore and have more time to focus and encourage others who go through the journey with me,” Brown said.
She decided to write an “open book,” and give people everywhere the opportunity to participate. So far, she has about 20 letters from people across the United States who experienced their time to let go.
“It doesn’t mean they’re saying goodbye. It is just time for some sort of closure in their lives, and they’ve been willing to share their thoughts. When we go through a loss, we feel so alone, and through this project, people can learn that they’re not alone. Sometimes we feel bad because of something we did or did not do to that person. Forgiving yourself is most difficult, it’s easier to forgive somebody else.
“You will never have peace with a loss until you experience peace with yourself. In time, the mountains do get smaller,” she said. “I want people to feel connected, not alone. At peace with themselves.”
Brown has been working with motivational speaker and author Wade Younger from Charlotte, N.C., whom she met at a Dr. Phil “Get Real” retreat last year in Los Angeles. For four days, 14 people lived together in a house, with cameras following them 24 hours a day. Twelve hours of each day were spent in a television studio, where Dr. Phil gave lectures. Participants in the retreat were there to deal with a variety of problems. Some, like Brown, were grieving the loss of a love one. Others had been victimized in various ways or were dealing with the effects of wrong life choices they had made. Being together and sharing their experiences was pretty intense, Brown said, but also very helpful for many of them.
The people who participated in the retreat are also writing a book about their experiences, Brown noted.
“When we experience a loss, we need to feel connected, feel inner strength, peace within ourselves. Our souls are broken, and will never be the same again, but we can learn to live again. I visualize my body like a puzzle — shattered by grief. I can put it back together again, but one piece, shaped like a heart, will never fit right again.
“I encourage people who have lost a loved one or feels sorry for something they did to hurt somebody to write about their feelings. They may or may not feel like sharing, but it’s something they need to do for themselves. Just sit down and start out ‘Dear ______’ and let it all pour out,” Brown said.
For those who would like to contact her and perhaps share a letter they’ve written to a loved one to be included in the book, e-mail Brown at kellymichelle14@gmail.com for information. She has a deadline of Sept. 1 to get her first book to the publisher, but she is hoping to continue the project in subsequent editions.
“I hope it’s a never-ending thing and will keep on, similar to the ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ series that has inspired so many people,” she said.
Features
Related Photos
-
Special to The Banner
Duncan woman finds comfort in writing from the heart
Brown has learned writing can be good therapy
- Features
-
-
And the beat goes on ...
For 27 years, Heartbeat Dance studio has been providing young girls the opportunity to follow their dance aspirations — whatever they may be — thanks to owner Stephanie Gregston.
-
Marlow man shares love of Choctaw language alive
Learning a new language is sometimes a requirement loathed by high school or college students, or a necessary task for relocation.
However, sometimes becoming versed in more than one language is a goal for which people strive. -
4-H youth share holiday recipes
Recipes are from Stephens County 4-H youth’s annual food cookoff held in October.
-
Eastern Star represents good deeds
As Enid Pickering began writing about the Order of the Eastern Star in 1979, the former Worthy Grand Matron realized she was forever capturing Oklahoma’s history of what was considered the largest women’s organization in the world.
-
70 years — through love and war
Although we don’t like them for to, plans can change in the blink of an eye and we must adapt. That is exactly what Montie and Reba Boerstler had to do 70 years ago.
-
Humor, knowledge marked J.H. Ivy’s life
Kind, humorous and intelligent — those were the most common adjectives used to describe James Harley Ivy Jr.
-
Trio finds hobby is a snap
A few years back, Karen Slagle was involved in a retirement-charged conversation. While she still isn’t ready to go to pasture, the person leading the conversation told Slagle that when retirement time arrives, she should have something to do.
-
On mission to share Gospel in West Africa
Alicia Pharoah’s first 48 hours in Diouloulou, a village in West Africa, were the most emotionally-charged and draining she’s ever experienced.
Pharoah, now 33, was on a mission trip in November 2008, to connect with the Jola-Fonyi people, who mainly believe in witchcraft or Islam. -
Civic leader with character
What shapes the character of a community are the people in it, along with how they contribute to make it better.
There is no shortage of active community members in Duncan, however, some seem to go above and beyond. That would include Ken Jones, director of supportive services division at the Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG). -
Duncan Public Library spotlights international selections
In conjunction with Cameron’s 2011-12 Academic Festival, “Afghanistan: Its Complexities and Relevance, Duncan Public Library is spotlighting books with International appeal.
- More Features Headlines
-
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
