Discovering My Story Within – My Memoir Writing Journey

Discovering My Story Within – My Memoir Writing Journey

From the time I was a little girl, I have felt a strong pull to write a book. A teacher once said to me, “if you write, you are a writer.” I was inspired by her and journaled for years, still continuing to do so today. My book, however, came years later. And, I didn’t set out to write a memoir—I always thought I’d write a novel.

In 2018, my mom was diagnosed with cancer, and during her treatments she didn’t hear many inspirational or uplifting messages. Instead, she was bombarded with so many stories that she felt overwhelmed by all of the negativity. Furthermore, my mom’s doctors weren’t encouraging her to make choices that were healthy for her body. I felt so frustrated by all this negativity, but it empowered me to want to create something uplifting for my mom. 

I have always loved learning about people and their life stories, so I set out to interview thirty women cancer survivors, or “thrivers,” about their experiences during their cancer journeys. My plan was to compile these stories into a beautiful book with a health and wellness slant. After finishing the interviews and working on the book for a while, my mom went into remission, and my passion for the project dwindled a bit because I felt so burnt out from the topic of cancer. Looking back on the work that I started, I would love to find a way to honor the women and their wonderful stories in the future. 

A few years later, I decided to enroll in a local writing course. I enjoyed the course and found myself writing personal stories based on the prompts given by the instructor. When the course ended, the instructor recommended I try a course through the CNF, Creative Nonfiction writing program. I signed up and I took the course with the same instructor four times over the span of a year. My memoir came pouring out of me. We had weekly prompts and topics and daily word counts due. I loved the peer feedback, which helped me to dig deeply and explore a story more than I had initially planned. This kept me on track. I didn’t write early in the morning, or at the same time of day like many writers do. I wrote when I felt inspired. Sometimes, When I would reach a block, I would take long walks in the woods with my dog, Lila, and really tune into myself and eventually the words would come to me. I really needed the outdoors for my inspiration and still use that time daily. 

I wrote this book initially for myself, as it was a cathartic experience, but as I delved further into the process, and received feedback from my instructor and peers, I was encouraged to take the process further and considered writing and publishing my memoir. My classmates were from all around the world and they were interested in what I had to say, and I began to learn that this act of vulnerability in my storytelling has the ability to forge connections that transcend societal facades. I began to hope and realize that perhaps others would feel connected to my story and empowered to use their voices in their own lives. This motivated me to keep going with the project. By opening up about my struggles, triumphs, and moments of self-discovery, I hoped that others could reflect on their own lives; this shared vulnerability creates an authentic bond—a reminder that we’re all navigating life’s complexities together.

In the process of finding my authentic voice, I recognized that my journey is an opportunity to uplift and empower others, especially other women. I have been on this path to finding my voice for many years—and I’m not sure I even realized it along the way. By embracing my true self, I hope to set a precedent for authenticity that could inspire those around me. It’s also important to acknowledge that finding my authentic voice is not a destination, but a continuous path. Just as I change and grow, so does the expression of my authenticity. 

I have found that putting myself into situations where I step into my fears helps. Each time I do something new, I feel a little more confident and a little less afraid the next time. 

I co-host The Art of Living Well Podcast, and the first time I recorded an episode, I read from a script. I was so nervous, and now three years later, I have become so comfortable bantering with my co-host and guests. 

I am fifty years old and I finally feel like I’m stepping into myself. My year of fifty.

For people struggling to find their own voice, my biggest advice is: 

1) write write write! We all have so much going on in our heads and getting it out on paper is so helpful. Journaling has helped me articulate so much and some of what I write is junk, but it’s out of my head. I keep many journals and notes and write things down all the time. 

2) My second piece of advice would be to do more of what you are afraid of. Put yourself into situations that make you uncomfortable. Say to yourself, what is the worst thing that can happen?

Through my journey of writing my memoir and finding my authentic voice, I’ve learned that true empowerment comes from embracing the uniqueness within. Authenticity is not about conforming to external ideals, but about celebrating the genuineness that resides at our core. By honoring our individuality, a reminder that our voices, when fully and truly embraced, can transform not only our lives but the lives of those around us.

MY SONG, UNLEASHED

As a child, Marnie’s unique voice earned her the nickname “The Rasp” from her dad. When other adults told her she’d never be a singer or that she talked too much, not only did Marnie start silencing herself, but she also began questioning her internal voice. She knew when she shared her truth—the way she’d done during a schoolwide presentation as a teen—it was life-changing. But more often, like many young women trying to make their way in the world, she muted and molded herself to accommodate others. It wasn’t until she traveled abroad and created a life far from home that she started finding her way back to her inner voice. And as she continued to explore the globe and connect with nature and with others, she discovered her inner voice was amplified.

In her memoir, “My Song, Unleashed,” Marnie Dachis Marmet takes readers through her journey of personal transformation. From the painful experiences that make her question everything to the beautiful revelations that bare the truth, Marnie ultimately shares what every woman needs to know: When you pay attention to and trust your voice, it leads you to what you truly want and value and, ultimately, what makes your heart sing.

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Marnie Dachis Marmet is an author, serial entrepreneur, board-certified health coach, and the founder of Zenful Life Coaching, a practice dedicated to helping women and teens create healthier and happier life. She supports clients in implementing personalized nutrition and wellness plans and making gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes. Her areas of expertise include longevity, mind-body-spirit holistic health, gut health, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. As co-creator and co-host of “The Art of Living Well Podcast,” Marnie empowers listeners to challenge the status quo, and she provides information and inspiration for living their healthiest and most authentic life. She has also owned and operated ChillyBean Promotions, a promotional products company, for more than 20 years.

Marnie lives in Minnesota, where she enjoys an active lifestyle, traveling, photography, reading, and spending time with family, friends, and her labradoodle, Lila.

LINKEDIN: @marniemarmet 

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