How To Use Writing as a Self-Discovery Tool

I want to share with you a conversation I had with my friend and fellow book coach, Margaret McNellis. We delved into the world of the Enneagram, self-discovery, and its profound impact on writing and book coaching. Listen to the recording above or read the conversation summary below. (Click here for a transcript of the audio!)

Exploring the Enneagram for Writers

Margaret kicked off our conversation by asking me about my journey into the Enneagram. Honestly, I can't remember when exactly I stumbled upon it, but it's been a pivotal part of my life for quite some time now. As a writer and a coach, I've always been drawn to tools that help unravel the mysteries of the human psyche, and the Enneagram does just that.

Unlike other personality assessments, such as MBTI, the Enneagram goes beyond surface behaviors. It delves deep into our core motivations, desires, and fears. For me, understanding the Enneagram types was like deciphering a roadmap to the soul—it provided clarity and insight into not only my own psyche but also those of my characters.

Self-Discovery Through Writing

As an Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist), I've always been on a quest for identity and self-discovery. But my journey took a profound turn in recent years as I navigated through personal upheavals, including my departure from evangelical Christianity and a decade-long battle with depression and anxiety.

In the process, I realized that self-discovery isn't just about uncovering the light within; it's also about confronting the shadows—the parts of ourselves we'd rather keep hidden. It's about embracing the messy, imperfect, beautifully human aspects of who we are. Writing helped me explore deep and truthful parts of myself, and still does to this day.

Coaching Writers Through Self-Exploration

Now, as a book coach, I have the privilege of guiding writers through their own journeys of self-discovery. It's a deeply rewarding experience to witness writers connect with the core of their stories, to see them unravel the threads of their own experiences and weave them into the tapestry of their narratives.

Through the Rooted Writers Mentorship, I offer writers a safe space to explore their creative depths and to unearth the stories buried within their souls. And as they embark on this journey, I encourage them to approach self-discovery with curiosity and kindness—to embrace both the light and the shadows, knowing that each holds a piece of their truth.

Courageous Storytelling

So, whether you're just starting your writing journey or embarking on a path of self-discovery, remember this: be curious, be kind, and above all, be brave. Your story is waiting to be told, and it's through the journey of self-discovery that you'll find the courage to tell it.