Tracy Masocha, a published author and survivor of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, is advocating writing as a form of therapy towards healing.
Her theme, ‘Healing Through Language,’ has helped not only herself but others into considering writing to help heal from trauma.
Tracy holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Creative Art and Design from Chinhoyi University of Technology in Zimbabwe. This is her story…
“In my formative years, l developed a passion for reading and writing, and that is when l realized that writing was actually an effective means of communicating and connecting with a wide audience. It has become a therapeutic outlet that allows me to release various emotions and express myself freely.
I have written two Shona novels, namely Kugona Mbavha Huirongera and Vanga reRudo.
l lost my Father when l was 11 and my mother when l was 14. l had to relocate frequently until l fell into the hands of an abuser who sexually abused me and threatened my life. He said he would shift the blame on me if l ever spoke out. Out of fear, l kept to myself. The abuse went on for nearly two years.
Additionally, there was physical and emotional abuse, and when l finally knew where to speak out, justice failed me right in front of my eyes. A police officer was bribed, leaving me trapped and hopeless.
Due to what happened, l hated the police for what they did, and l felt like l was not safe anywhere. l believed that if the police could not help me get justice, then there wasn’t any justice in this world. l learned to live with that.
It wasn’t until after l had written about my experience that some relatives learned about it and asked why l had remained silent. I told them that l had spoken, but no one listened.
l love the quote by Graham Greene, Ways of Escape – “Writing is a form of therapy, sometimes l wonder how all those who do not write, compose or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic and fear which is inherent in a human situation.”
For me, the concept of healing through language is a profound one, allowing for the expression of a wide range of emotions. Through writing, l can articulate my innermost thoughts and feelings. lt serves as an outlet for my screams, laughter, and tears.”
Tracy is currently in the process of writing a children’s book.
Do you have a story to tell? We’d love to hear how you overcame. Reach out to us at info@theweightshecarries.com and share your story!
