This blog post has been authored by Monique Lisa, Extreme Killer 3D Coaching
As we all wait in anxious anticipation of the state of our nation. All too often this is how many of us live – Fearful, stressed, nervous and down right scared about what will become of our lives after traumas. So many of us think because we’ve gone through horrific things that these stories can’t be used to change lives and use the freedom of telling these stories to catapult us to a place of peace, calm and content.
Have you ever handed someone a handful of ashes in exchange for a beautiful bouquet of roses? How about that for a gift exchange program? When have we ever handed someone the broken pieces of our lives and they decided that in return they wanted to share something beautiful that had true value instead? Well, when we go through traumatic things and we seek out the help we need to heal from the trauma and then in the process we journal the past pain as an exercise towards healing – know that this helps to calm your thoughts and redirect the past pain towards proper healing and release.
Writing is powerful and a focused type of therapy that encourages truth, truth about our past, present and hopeful future. As a writer, I purposefully encourage others to find a quiet place to sit and journal what they are thinking. I call this time healing moments and they are so personal and sacred to each individual who understands the power embedded in this practice. When you feel as though you can’t breathe and past thoughts overtake you just STOP! Take a moment and Breathe in slowly…then write about what’s on your mind. This process helps you put into words how the ashes of your life are searching for beauty in exchange. This isn’t impossible and is very helpful towards true healing.
What about strength for fear? It’s the same process – give your fear over to one who can replace it with strength and wholeness. Then sit with the intent to keep a healthy accurate record of a victory you’ve earned through writing and healing. You can be a 200 lb bodybuilder winning trophies and competing every other month and still suffer from past trauma. Or how about the beauty queen with tons of trophies ready to give up because she feels ugly from a past deep seeded hurt? It’s all the same because deep down inside we all need healthy validation that says we are not what happened to us but what happens now through us. Healing is possible using one of the best tools possible and that’s the power of writing our way from ashes to beauty and fear to strength.
Monique Lisa is a writer, director, and producer of stage, film and books.
IG: @themoniquelisa @extreme_killer_online_courses
MONIQUE LISA
Writer, Director, Producer, Television and Radio Host, Casting Director, Founder/CEO of Monique Lisa Productions and Dream Achievers Productions
Monique Lisa is a 19 time award winning Playwright with 35 nominations under her belt from seven different states, the director, and producer of the award winning stage plays “All My Struggles” and “All My Struggles – The Wedding Plan?” which had its highly anticipated debut at the World Famous Apollo Theatre to SOLD-OUT audiences. To date Monique Lisa has sold out the Apollo Theatre 5 times and twice in the same year. Born and raised in the Bronx, Monique Lisa came up in a time when Hip Hop was just getting its respect. It is at this time she discovered her love for stories, music and dance that shaped her into the force she is today. As a graduate of the famous High School of Performing Arts (“Fame” the movie) for dance, this is where she caught the acting bug. Even though Monique Lisa started writing scripts at the age of seven she admits high school reinforced that love. Monique says “I’ve been producing plays in my parents’ backyard so long that I thought that’s where all plays started out.” That love has aided her in her success with her plays “All My Struggles” and with its brand. Monique Lisa also attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and Pace University, NYC where she studied dance, film production and directing. Her acting film credits include “Beat Street” produced by Harry Belafonte and “Krush Groove” produced by Russell Simmons, two of Hip Hop’s first big movies. Also she had a small movie part in “A Walk to Remember” starring Jacqueline Smith (Charlie’s Angels). Monique also co- produced, cast and co-directed the anti-bullying film “Speedsuit” which was accepted into film festivals. “Evulsion” was Monique Lisa’s first short film she wrote, produced and starred in. Monique Lisa has also hosted many television shows including “Graffiti Rock”, “Gospel Vibrations” and “Monique Lisa Talks” one of the first paid- programming TV-pilots picked up by Magic Johnson’s Aspire network. Monique has co-produced and co-directed the feature film “Speedsuit” written by Allen Paul Weaver and Associate produced “Zodiac Sign” for writer director Christopher Nolen.
In addition to stage and film credits she has helped to ghost write over 40 books. This has taught her how to develop strong characters and create powerfully engaging scenes. As she continues to inspire readers, writers, script producers, she has added speaking to her repertoire.