Toni Morrison said, "The function of freedom is to free someone else," and if you are no longer wracked or in bondage to a person or a way of life, tell your story. Risk freeing someone else. Not everyone will be glad that you did. Members of your family and other critics may wish you had kept your secrets. Oh, well, what are you going to do? Get it all down. Let it pour out of you and onto the page. Write an incredibly shitty, self-indulgent, whiny, mewling first draft. Then take out as many of the excesses as you can.
Toni Morrison emphasized that true freedom involves empowering others. When you break free from personal constraints or toxic relationships, sharing your experiences can serve as a tool for liberation. Storytelling becomes an act of courage; however, expect mixed reactions. Not everyone may appreciate your honesty, especially those close to you who might prefer the status quo.
Anne Lamott encourages writers to embrace this raw storytelling process, advocating for an unfiltered first draft. She suggests allowing emotions to flow without fear of judgment. Afterward, refinement is crucial to transform the initial chaotic spill into a more cohesive narrative, ultimately sharing your truth with the world.