I recently published a memoir called "All This Healing is Killing Me" about my journey of becoming a Holistic Health Professor while healing from childhood experiences of domestic violence, addiction and mental illness. In my book, I explore many mind-body-spirit practices from alternative medicine to yoga, including travel immersions in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
I’ve always been inspired by memoirs and personal stories of healing. I wrote my Ph.D. dissertation about the life stories of women healers. I felt it was important for me to tell my own story not only because it was a healing process for me but also because I wanted to reveal the woman behind the professional successes that I’ve had.
I believe that the writing process is very similar to the healing process - it’s a miracle and also terribly hard sometimes. It will challenge you and change you. It will give you insights that are inaccessible any other way. Sharing your writing with others is also one of the most liberating things you will experience. It’s an antidote to shame and fear.
I often say “writing is medicine” because I think it can be an effective tool for improving mental and emotional health.
Here are some strategies for writing about your thoughts and feelings:
Set aside time: Schedule time each day to write in your journal. This will help you develop a consistent habit and allow you to reflect on your day.
Write freely: Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Just write what comes to mind without censoring yourself.
Focus on emotions: Write about how you're feeling and why. Use descriptive language to fully explore and express your emotions.
Write about your day: Reflect on what happened during your day and how it made you feel. This will help you process your experiences and gain insights.
Write in the present tense: Writing in the present tense can help you stay focused on the present moment and reduce anxiety about the future or regret about the past.
I believe that if you try these tips, you will find that it can help reduce stress by allowing you to express your emotions and process difficult experiences. It can boost your immune system and improve your overall health. Writing in a journal before bed can help you relax and unwind, which can lead to better sleep. Writing about positive experiences and gratitude can improve mood and increase feelings of happiness. It can also stimulate the imagination and enhance creativity, which can have positive effects on overall well-being.
Finally, I hope that you share what you learn with others and encourage them to do the same. We all do better when we all do better.
About me:
I completed my doctoral work in Transformative Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies with a dissertation on women healers -- and studied plant medicine with indigenous healers in New Mexico and Guatemala. I have been a University Professor of Integrative and Holistic Medicine since 2007 and a regular presenter at global conferences. I was named one of the Top 100 Women of the Future in 2022 for my work in emerging technologies. I am the Head of Provider Relations at Third Wave, a trusted, research-based psychedelics education and community platform. My first book, All This Healing is Killing Me, is an Amazon #1 Bestseller.
Where you can find me:
https://www.amazon.com/All-This-Healing-Killing-Me-ebook/dp/B0BWSJ9FYT/
https://www.gabriellepelicci.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellepelicciphd/
https://www.facebook.com/GabriellePelicciPhD
https://www.instagram.com/drgabbypelicci/
https://twitter.com/drgabbypelicci
ESSENTIAL DETAILS
Title: All This Healing Is Killing Me: A Memoir
Author: Gabrielle Pelicci PH.D.
Genres: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Healing, Health, Holistic Medicine
Publisher: Manhattan Book Group
Publication date: Official launch in May 2023
Availability: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
ISBN: 9781960142900
Prices:
Paperback £12.99, $14.95
eBook £2.50, $2.99
Audiobook: £18.29, $14.95
Media requests & enquiries:
@drgabbypelicci gabriellepelicci.com