The next time something’s bugging you—an old memory, perhaps, or a recent misstep at work—try to put it in writing.
When we feel embarrassed or sad or angry, memories can overlap and replay on an endless mental loop. It can be very difficult to break this cycle of negative self-talk. Writing about the experience puts the thought into a more concrete form. You can see the problem in front of you instead of playing it back in your head.
Confronting the bad moments of our lives in writing is a great way to come to terms with what happened. This makes it easier to accept, let go, and move on. Writing about problems can also help you spot patterns more easily, which will help you avoid repeating mistakes.
For more thoughts on how to optimize your emotional life, check out our Instaread on Beyond Order.
