Writing workout for Forgiveness; Writers’ Workshop
– Set a timer to 15 minutes & write –
Write a letter to your past self apologizing for things you have done. The letter could focus on one experience or on a series of them. Describe what you are apologizing for, what you would have done differently, and what you wish for the future. End the letter. Sign it.
Example:
Dear Dana,
It has taken me many times after that first one, to learn how to curve my tongue into a NO, to find my voice instead of bury it in my 13-year-old you. It has taken me too long, but I am stronger now, for the both of us, for you, for my 17-year-old self, my 19-year-old self, and now my 21-year-old self. I forgive you for all the times you could not find your voice quickly enough, for all the times you let in toxic people only to called it love, and for all the times you took care of them before taking care of yourself. I forgive you. I wholeheartedly forgive all of you. I forgive you for not getting help till everything began to look like it could be a way out, when the methods change, but it seemed there was only one destination. But you did get help. You are the reason I exist, 19-year-old me. I forgive you for everything you did and didn’t do, for making the difficult decisions, for loving despite the struggles, for believing in me, and in so making me a reality. I thank you. I forgive you. Most days, NO rolls off my tongue, stumbles, but rolls anyway. Most days, most days, I see many ways out and none of them is through.
Best, Today’s Dana
The writing workout has been developed and written by Dana Seif, the founder of The Poetry Passport. You can find her on Instagram here.
The Poetry Passport 