Today I virtually attended a writing class at work that encouraged us to write a 55 word story. I work in a hospital environment, and although the stories can be about anything, they nudged us to write about a particular patient. As we listened to stories shared of difficulty and small wins, I couldn’t help but think how helpful this tool can be.
I’ve heard of five word stories, summarizing everything in five words or less. And yet there’s a little bit more meat to a 55 word story. While it’s not excessive, it’s enough. Having the creative task to translate what occurred into a succinct 55 words helps target our brain from ruminating about an issue or patient into an artistic expression.
And so this is how I attempted to release a recent difficult patient today/ Instead of continuing to tell myself what a difficult person this is to work with, I opted to write about him and shift the ending to a karmic lesson. I took artistic liberty of ensuring there was retribution to his demeaning attitude towards others and cruel behavior. He received his karmic lesson, even if only in a 55 word story.
I am offering you this gift, whatever you are going through. Whether it is something exciting, painful, or mundane. Twist your joys and frustrations into a creative outlet.
