Rewrite (Unapologetic - Part 2)
(If you missed part 1 of the story, please click here to read it first)
“Welcome back, Marina.” “Hi,” she murmured, sinking into the soft chair across from Dr. Ann. “Is there anything you want to talk about before we go into last week’s homework?” Marina shook her head. “Alright, then. Can I see your response to the prompt I gave you?” Marina hesitated. “I didn’t get a chance to edit it so it’s not very good.” “Is it honest?” “Yes…at least I think so.” “That’s all it needs to be. May I?” Dr. Ann held out her hand. Marina opened the journal to the correct page and handed it over without another word. She took it with a gentle smile of thanks and settled back to read. Journal Entry #357 I wish I could rewrite the story of me. I’d construct a setting filled with lofty trees, a sparkling river, and overflowing with wild creatures. I’d build a sanctuary there filled with love to bring light back into the eyes of abandoned animals approaching their senior years. Every visitor who walked through the door of my home would feel at home and at peace within its walls. In this new world there are plenty of time and opportunities to learn and do all the things I yearn for plus all the energy needed to tackle them. I’d create a place where I fit, with a love that lasts, and family who lives close. I’d rewrite myself to be fit, to connect easily, to trust wholeheartedly, and to be able to share how I’m feeling with those close to me. I know all well-written stories have their ups and downs, their losses, and their tragedies, but within my carefully crafted world I’d know how to accept all the support and help around me. I’d erase the regrets, but keep the lessons. I’d own my talents instead of downplaying them. I’d share my skills and abilities without apology and take pride in what I can accomplish. I’d remain humble, treasuring the simple pleasures in life, yet filled with the confidence that I am enough. I really wish I could rewrite the story of me. “Well that sounds as close to Utopia as you can get.” Dr. Ann commented as she looked up from the page. “I’m glad to see you wouldn’t change everything about your life now. I noticed you have pieces of the current you tucked in there.” Marina flushed and chewed on her thumbnail. “How about we start a list of everything you mentioned in your life’s rewrite.” Dr. Ann set the open journal on the small table between them and reached for a pad of paper. She drew a line down the center of the page and made two columns, titling them ‘Original’ and ‘Rewrite’. “Alright, let’s pick out every point in your journal entry and decide which list it goes on. Once that’s done, we can chat about the ones you wished you could rewrite and choose one to work on. Sound doable?” Marina nodded. “Before we start, have you given any thought to what I said last week about sharing your writing?” She shrugged, then gave a jerky nod. “I think…I think I want to try,” she murmured, “would you help me get started?” “Of course. I have some suggestions of platforms that are perfect for beginners. We can go through them before you leave today. Are you going to write under your name or a pen name?” “I don’t want my name on it, but I don’t know what pen name to use.” Marina frowned. “Do you have any suggestions?” “Well, after reading your journal piece, what do you think about ‘Unapologetically Me’?” Marina mulled that over for a moment and smiled. “I like it!” “Alright then, Unapologetically Me it is! We’ll get to that next. First, we have a list to make!”
I would like to rewrite the story of myself - but then I would have to deny the parts of my life that I treasure. Maybe I should try this exercise myself!