In the reading "Is writing a memoir therapuetic?", I learned that writing memoirs can indeed be therapuetic. They say that writing allows us to "reach inside our minds for words to help us make sense of life." Many people find this activity a good excercise for our brain. I must say that i don't completely agree with the statement that writing can be therapeutic. Although I would agree that using your imagination in other ways besides just writing can be therapuetic. Now when I say that, it is completely my personal preference. Everyone likes different things and has different opinions. Some people enjoy making up stories rather than writing memoirs. Some people like story telling to let there enthusiasm and imagination go wild. Others like Antoinette and Iriel Franklin prefer talking about past memories to gain support and get that "Therapuetic Feeling". In the NPR listening link Antoinette and Iriel talk about there memories and experiences in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina rather than writing them down in a journal or something. In my opinion, this sort of action is more therapuetic than writing your memories because when writing you are sort of isolated from the rest of the world and its just you, the paper, and your pen. While talking with others about your experiences and memories, you not only can reach into your imagination for some brain activity, but also, you can gain support from the people you are talking with. But, we must remember everyone is different and some people prefer to be by themselves to get that "therapuetic sensation."
I would, however, like to know how long after Hurricane Katrina did the interview between Antoinette and her niece take place.
I also would like to know if Jerry Waxler, when he is done writing in his journal, just closes the book and never reads the journals or does he read his journals for more Therapuetic pleasure?
Also does Jerry ever talk to anybody about any of his journal writings and memoirs, or is confidential?
