5 Ways to Write About T.S. For Sanity!

As you may or may not know, I write for the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome. It might seem odd that an L.A. gal is hooked up with an East Coast support group, but for some reason the good folk over there were the only ones who seemed to write me back when I was desperately searching for support five years ago. It was because of them that I realized other moms might need help, which encouraged me to write my own blog on T.S. as well as start my own private support group. I am forever indebted to the New Jersey chapter and want to give back.

On that note, I encourage all of you to write your way to peace and serenity. You might not be able to stop tics 100%, but it’s hard to think about what you can’t change while typing words onto the screen or paper.

Not all of us are born writers, but I am pretty sure we are all born complainers, so here’s my 5 tips for writing your way into serenity:

1. Journal: Whenever I journal, I have such an immense sense of peace. It’s a place for me to whine and complain, as well as count my blessings. No one is going to read it, so I don’t feel bad stating, “Today I want to take a sledge hammer to my husband’s red Rx7 and use the insurance money for a one week trip to the Bahamas where I will bathe nightly in buckets of red wine and smoke the doobage like it’s Vitamin B.” (Note: I am one of the few people in L.A. who has never inhaled. No joke. Perhaps I need to do my Winnebago RV Blogging tour for all 28 of you who read me and we can talk tics while we light up and eat Frito pie.)

The other awesome thing about journaling is I can also brag without feeling like I’m obnoxious because, again, no one is going to read it. Except now, which I will brag about, because I came to my in-box this morning, tired and groggy from two hours of sleep, to find this from my dear Rx7 driving spouse:

Morning!

I love you – your back is going to feel better!

I love you –  we’re going to have spending money eventually!

I love you – you’ll fall asleep soon!

I love you – for fighting the caffeine!

I love you – even if you tell me to stop playing it up when I’m trying to tell you this.

2. Start an Online Blog: My private Google group, lovingly known as Twitch and Bitch, begun out of a need to connect to other moms going through the same thing as me. To start your own Google Group, all you have to do is click the link I provided for you. It’s free and simple to set up. You can find people to add to your group simply by paying attention to tip #3.

3. Leave Comments on Inspirational Blogs: Finding blogs that speak to your heart, whether it be about T.S. or losing weight or how to start an Ebay biz, is a way to connect to other people who share your passion. The more you tap into the positive, the less you’ll be taken down from the often confusing syndrome known as T.S. The more consistently you leave comments, the more consistently either the author or others will also leave comments and write you back. You can get a great feel for peoples’ character and integrity from their comments. After connecting to folk, especially if it’s a blog about T.S., you can start your own group and email them an invitation.

4. Take a Writing Course: So many of you, I have found, are really great at leaving comments that are thoughtful and interesting. You are clearly educated! Why not put some of this to use writing articles for pay? I used to teach an online writing course. I am thinking of doing so again, based on some of your inquiries, but I hesitate. I’m not sure if I want to mix biz with pleasure – such as you all! Let me know if it seems cheesey to offer this class here or not. I want to be of service for tics for free and don’t want to come off like a cheap car salesman!

5. Write for the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome: They are looking for writers to post. They don’t pay, but they will give you the opportunity to share your story and help others. It will also be something you can put on your writing resume if you are trying to get other writing jobs down the road. Email me privately at LifeHappins@Gmail.com. If you are interested in writing for them, I’ll recommend you personally.

That’s it for now! What do you think about writing? Do you do it? If not, would you consider it? And what do you think about me advertising a class here? Be honest – I am walking a thin line. Sure, I’d like an income until my next paid column comes along, but my first priority is tic support!

Come visit my other writing, as other thriving parents’ blogs,  for daily support at the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome website!

Photo above from Allposters