“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect,” said French writer Anaïs Nin. This sentiment rings especially true for journal writing, whether you are journaling to savor a delicious and wonderful experience or to wash away a bitter and unpleasant memory.
In your personal journal, revisit three of your memories that cover a wide range of emotions. While writing about your recollections, focus on how your perspective and interpretation have changed over time.
Blast-From-the-Past Journaling Exercises
1. Bitter
Think of an experience, whether it was a few months ago or many years earlier, that still gives you a pang of regret, embarrassment, sadness or anger. Recount the story in your journal as if you were telling a close friend who had never heard it before. Why do you consider this a painful memory? Remember details about how you felt and reacted at the time. Do you see it from a different point of view now that you have a bit more distance from the experience? Even though it’s an unpleasant memory, can you think of positive lessons you learned as a result?
2. Bittersweet
Now select an experience that you could categorize as either positive or negative, depending on how you look at it. Perhaps a good relationship that ended badly still holds many fond memories for you, or an embarrassing work mistake taught you a hard-earned lesson that you still carry with you today. What emotions or associations does it bring up for you? Describe the bitter aspects as well as the sweet in your personal journal.
3. Sweet
Whew, now you’ve made it through the difficult memories and can turn to one that is purely happy. Write about the most loving or joyful moment you have had recently. Who else was involved? What made it so special? What details make you smile? What do you think you will remember about the experience years from now? What sensations or feelings do you want to hold on to in the future?
What, you didn't know you could use Journal Writing for Self-Healing?!?!
And....Remember to sign up now for our April 1 27 Days Life Changers Journaling Challenge!