Writing it Right
June 20, 2006 by Heather Goldsmith
Filed under Home & Living
We’ve all had moments in life, moments we’d really rather forget. Times when you reacted poorly, stupidly or just downright did the wrong thing. In hindsight you know this. You may have been a lot younger, more naive, or simply less compassionate because you were more concerned about looking out for yourself. Hey, I’ve been there, too!
A great journal prompt is to revisit these moments and write them right. Instead of writing about the event as it actually happened, go back and write the response you wish you had lived out on that day or in that moment. Spend time working through in your journal to the point where you know you could have done things not necessarily better, but your actions would lead to a more satisfying outcome to all parties involved. Write what you should have done.
Remember to be good to yourself. The idea behind this journal prompt is to heal the hurt you know you’ve left behind. Perhaps it’s still possible to say you’re sorry or to at least say something. Of course, this may not be possible. The important thing is to right the situation from your perspective. This isn’t a time to beat yourself up or sink into despair. This journal prompt is a positive exercise.
I hope you find this journal writing prompt useful.
Your suggestion to look back on an event and “write it right” reminds me of another creative writing exercise, one not quite so personal. Some creative writing teachers suggest that one takes a story, a movie, a novel, etc. (basically anything where one was unsatisfied with the ending) and rewrite it the way that writer thinks it should have gone to begin with. This is a good way to generate new ideas as well.
Thanks for your idea. I’ve read that exercise before, too. I may find a way to adapt it for journal writing, too.