Jerry Waxler
Spirituality of Courage – Look Up to See the Half That’s Full
November 21, 2025 
11 AM PST | 12 PM MST | 1 PM CST | 2 PM EST
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The urge to write a memoir often seems to arise from inner wisdom or a sense of higher purpose. You anticipate developing a new skill and enjoying many hours in a creative outlet. You feel lifted, excited, hopeful.

When you sit in front of a blank page, though, your good intentions may be clouded by mental and practical concerns. “I’m not a great writer, I don’t want to remember certain things. I don’t have time. No one will read it.” These gloomy thoughts drag you down.

This inner battle between the upward pull of aspiration and creativity, versus the downward pull of discouragement is entirely normal! This is life! As it happens, this type of battle is the driving force inside every memoir. The main character had to overcome obstacles in the past. Now as a writer you must overcome obstacles in the present.

In this interview, Jerry Waxler, author, therapist, and teacher, will offer strategies to help you continue your upward journey, as you press through the obstacles that stand between you and your completed writing project.

Some things you’ll learn or reenvision:

• To shift your image of “writer” from a static definition to a dynamic journey, visualize a longer timeline for “becoming a memoir writer.” The developmental arc of you as memoir writer starts from child-like fears, grows through effort and practice, toward higher purpose and strength.
• Tune into the exciting anticipation of turning “bad” memories into an attractive story. (Regret and shame transform into natural, compelling engines in your storyline).
• The fear of “not being a good writer” is a mirage left over from some earlier sense of inadequacy. To follow your desire to write, turn toward your fears and offer them love and support.
• With the support of trusted writing partners, facilitators, coaches, and groups you gradually normalize “bad” memories. By writing and sharing, you learn to include these memories as valid parts of your whole dignified personhood.
• By opening up your life, you are entering into a higher connection with society – (as opposed to too much privacy which keeps you separate).
• Be here now! Discover the exhilaration and flow that emerges from letting go of fear and entering beginner’s mind.
• Secrets cut you off and drag you down. Memoir writing shows you how to gently, mindfully, and safely overcome the feelings of privacy and shame that hold you back
• Reap powerful, meaningful psychological rewards throughout the journey – these deepening appreciations for your past begin with your first attempt at storytelling.

Bio

Jerry Waxler, MS, LPC, memoir coach, author and therapist has a lot to say about overcoming (memoir) writer’s block. His first book published in 2005 offered self-help strategies for overcoming resistance and finding courage as a writer. He followed his own advice and went on to publish four more books, including two memoirs. See www.jerrywaxler.com for more information.