Writing Prompt: What was lost? Can you identify the feelings that came with each expectation hangover?
- It’s Tuesday! Writing prompt day!! It’s the third week in the 8-week session on managing expectations.
- The 1st week we identified our expectations hangovers by making a list and putting a star by the one that’s currently causing the most grief.
- The 2nd week we addressed the situation that we starred. Wrote down every last detail.
- In our 3rd week we are going to go back and review the list we made in the 1st week.
- If you are just now joining us, it’s not too late to make a list of all the stuff you thought would go one way but actually took a turn. There are so many events in our life that can create deep wounds and leave scars—the death of a loved one, accidents, losing a home, a difficult romance, your business idea or career ends. The list goes on and on-write it all down.
- Ok. Got your list? Pen? Paper? Set your timer for 15 minutes. Next to each item on your list, write down what was lost and the feelings that came with each expectation hangover.
- Don’t skip this step. It’s important to recognize if there’s a pattern. Are you experiencing the same feelings dressed up in a new situation? Often times life keeps handing us opportunities to overcome the root of our troubles. If you can identify what’s triggering these expectation hangovers then in the future we can be bettered prepared when the same old feelings come creeping in.
- Write as fast as you can. Be honest. What was lost? How did it feel? Don’t edit, just write.
- If today is your writing day, after writing for 15 minutes about the prompt, set your timer for another 15 minutes. Begin working on your project. Remember to keep your writing speed up and write anything that comes to mind. Don’t edit, analyze, or judge. Keep setting the timer for another 15 minutes and then again. We usually write from 10-3. Break for lunch. Happy writing!!
When we don’t recognize our emotional triggers and our unhealthy reactions to them, it can lead us down a long, tortuous path.
