My Favorite Mistake – Writing Prompt No. 7

A mistake is an event, the full benefit of which we have not come to realize. – Mel Schwartz, L.C.S.W.

It’s time for another FemCentral writing prompt! Writing prompts are wonderful tools for self-discovery and for uncovering subconscious blocks and thought patterns. Sharing your prompt response is one way to release your issues, and declare your true self, to the world at large. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to help others who may be going through the same thing that you are. Facilitate personal growth and accrue some good karma, all through a simple writing exercise!

This month, I am “borrowing” a prompt from a regular feature in Newsweek magazine. Each week, Newsweek asks a celebrity to describe a mistake from their past, explain what they learned from it, how it changed them, and how it affected their life. We are in the last quarter of the astrological year (late March is when the new year begins), and this is the perfect time to reflect back on our lives and consciously build upon our past.

In his blog on Psychology Today, psychotherapist Mel Schwartz writes the following about mistakes,

Through the painful experience, there is abundant opportunity to learn and grow. These insights, borne out of what we call mistakes, are necessary for our psychological, emotional and spiritual growth. They are also a fundamental part of our learning process.

If we look at our lives as a perpetual unfolding – a never-ending process of becoming – we might consider that we what call a mistake is simply a snapshot that we freeze in time. Yet the flow of life doesn’t freeze but cascades on, as long as our perspective enables us to see it as such.

So, are you ready? This month’s writing prompt is,

My Favorite Mistake

If you can’t think of a FAVORITE mistake right away, use this exercise as an opportunity review your past, and see how your mistakes have impacted your present. You may be pleasantly surprised at the new perspective!

For inspiration, I’m linking to a few of the Newsweek “My Favorite Mistake” features. (But, your prompt does not need to be like these in any way.) Also, this week’s theme will focus on – MISTAKES. Learn to love them, and they become your ally!

Are you willing to give it a try?

During the next two weeks, write a 300-1200 word response to “My favorite mistake.” Submit it to me, at jennifer@jenniferlshelton.com by January 22. In your submission, let me know if you would like for me to post your piece anonymously or with your full name. (Feel free to include a link to any social media or website.)

As incentive, I will enter the names of all who participate into a drawing for two months of the North Node email subscription. The winner will receive a weekly email, for two months, with affirmations and suggested meditations, to keep her on the path of her unique North Node. Read “Are You Ready to Commit to Your Life’s Purpose” for details. (If the winner is already subscribed to this program, I will extend her subscription by two months.)

So, what are you waiting for? I look forward to learning from your mistakes!