We would like to invite you to try one of the writing tasks that was a part of the Take The Love With You project journey. Whichever stage you find yourself at in your own grief journey, we encourage you to use this exercise as a space for you to reflect and to remember. To cherish and celebrate your child.
There is no right or wrong way to try this exercise.
You may wish to write it on paper, at a laptop, computer, tablet, or even on your phone. You may wish to have a conversation with a loved one, or simply take time for yourself to think without writing anything down, in response. What we believe matters is that you approach it in a way that feels most comfortable, safe, and right for you.
We understand that exploring such a personal subject as the relationship you have with your child, and their memory, may bring up a lot of difficult, challenging emotions. Be kind and gentle with yourself, take breaks if you need to – we want you to feel no pressure to respond to this exercise in a way you may find too much to manage at this stage in your journey.
Consider sharing your writing with trusted loved ones, and/or seek professional help if needed.
DEAR, ME
We understand it can be hard to express what it is you have been through, experienced, and all that you have learnt about yourself along the way. Emotions can get jumbled, the words seemingly impossible to find. You may have not known where to start, who to trust.
How often have you been able to create space for yourself to reflect on your personal experience?
Title your page: ‘Dear Me’
Write a letter to yourself.
What would you like to you say to you: what words of comfort, honesty, truth?
Write what you feel is safe for you. What is important. What you need to. What have you learned about yourself, life, and the world, through your own personal journey? You may find it easier to have a slight sense of distance from what you are writing onto the page.
If so, consider starting with ‘Dear You’ instead of ‘Dear Me’, whilst still writing the letter to yourself.
If you would find it helpful, you can explore responses to this exercise within our book Take The Love With You, which you can find on the main page of this website. We hope that this writing exercise offers you a chance way to connect with both yourself, and your child.
We invite you to share it with those closest and most trusted.
To take not just the loss, but also the love, with you.
This exercise was devised by creative writer Jim Hall.
If you would like to explore further possibilities to work with Jim, you can find his work and the opportunities he offers on Substack:
someoneturndowntherain.substack.com
You can also email him: