There are certain pieces of advice that stick with you over the
years, some because they are full of wisdom and others because they are… well, full of something a little less helpful.
Think back to all the well-meaning advice you’ve received over the years from parents, friends, co-workers, partners and strangers—good, bad and everything in between. What is the best advice you’ve ever heard? What is the absolute worst? Pick the winners from each category and pick up your pen for some therapeutic reflective journaling.
1. Start by writing out, word for word (or as close as you can get from memory), the most horrendous counsel you’ve received to date. Explain its context in detail:
A. Who told you this? Did you ask for advice or was it unsolicited?
B. What was happening in your life at the time? How old were you? What was your emotional state at the time you heard this advice?
C. How did you react? Did you take the recommendation or ignore it? What happened after?
D. Looking back, what do you think of the advice? Why does it stand out as the worst you’ve experienced? Is it more amusing or more infuriating or more tragic in retrospect?
E. If you could go back in time, knowing what you do now, how would you react differently? What would you say to this person?
2. Now turn the page and continue the reflective journaling exercise on a more positive note, writing down the best words of wisdom you have ever heard. Start by answering the questions from steps A, B and C above, then write responses to the following questions:
A. Why did these words strike a chord with you? Did you think this was great advice at the time you received it, or did you only appreciate it later on?
B. Did you ever thank your adviser? Would you change the way you responded if you could do it all over again?
C. Have you ever given this same advice to someone else? If yes, describe the situation.
My father gave advice out in “sound bites” that make for great reflective journaling prompts. Things like “take it eeeeasy”, “plan your work and work your plan” and “time and patience”. My mother passed along words of wisdom from her mom like “always get dressed up when you go out, you might meet the man you’re going to marry.”
Share your memorable advice—good or bad!—in the comments section below.
What advice do you find yourself giving to friends, family or strangers? What kind of advice have you gotten from your Journal?
Leave Comment