Writing to wellness

Turning 50 was a massive milestone for Matamata woman Denalda Anderson – in more ways than one.

For the first time in her life she was free, a feeling she hadn’t experienced since before she could remember.

Free of hurt and pain, and free of abuse inflicted by people who were supposed to love her.

It was also around that time she was lovingly hugged for the first time.

Hugging was something she had never heard of. The only form of physical contact she had known was associated with hurting.

‘‘It might sound strange to some people but I really didn’t know what a proper hug was,’’ she said.

Denalda has used writing as a form of therapy to deal with the years of suffering, which started when she was child.

Her self- published book, 50 Steps On My Mountain: The Full Story, is the culmination of that.

The book is the story of Denalda’s life, in her own words.

Last year, she released a smaller, pocket version of the book.

‘‘Once going.

‘‘It’s been a really helpful way to deal with everything that has happened to me,’’ she said.

Reluctant at first to put her face and name to the book, after talking to family and friends she decided that she had nothing to hide.

‘‘I feel comfortable now because I’ve finally realised that it wasn’t

I started writing I kept me who did anything wrong,’’ she said.

Denalda has written the book in the hope it will help at least one woman who has experienced the same sort of pain and heartache she has in her lifetime.

She hopes that eventually agencies like Women’s Refuge will pick it up and use it as a tool to help women in abusive relationships.

To buy a copy call Denalda on 022 139 7650 to organise postage and delivery.