WILD AND PRECIOUS LIFE

A BLOG BY CARLA KUCINSKI

WHY HONORING YOUR IDENTITIES MATTER

Words have always been important to me. When I think back to my childhood self, I can remember writing stories in pink ink about talking animals and designing magazines constructed of stapled loose-leaf paper, Crayola drawings and my own poems about cats and nature. Back then I knew what it meant to be in the zone before I even had the words to define it. It was more of a feeling, a sense that time slowed down and hours passed without notice. My heart felt happy throughout the process as well as after when I took a step back to behold my creation and share it with my family. It was no surprise to me or my family that I went on later in life to become a journalist.  

Writing has always been a way for me to process and understand myself, my life and the world. But most importantly, it’s been a way for me to connect with others. There’s something very powerful about connecting to other peoples’ pain through writing. There is a deep sense of vulnerability that occurs for that to happen, on both ends, as the writer and as the reader. Writing about the personal has a way of normalizing and validating our experiences. It also helps support us through our own journey of growth and healing. Writing helps us feel less alone.

For these reasons, and many more, I wanted to feature a blog on my website—for connection, for validation, for normalization, for guidance, for support, for community, for knowledge, for vulnerability, for growth, for healing, and for inspiration. I want to be intentional about how I use this space.  

Much like the pull I felt to listen to my heart and my gut to become a counselor, my heart feels pulled to create this blog and this space where my identities of counselor and writer merge. I hope you’ll join me on the journey. I look forward to connecting with you.