Write a letter to someone who hurt you but never sent it.
What is vent writing?
Vent writing is a method of using writing to express negative thoughts and feelings, one’s anger towards someone, or a difficult problem in life. Writing to vent your anger also helps avoid directly affecting others, only you know what you are thinking.
This method is based on the psychological research of psychology master John Sarno and is concretized by the name “Rage on the page”, first introduced on the Podcast channel of speaker Gabby Bernstein. Main topics in the anger diary:
- Injuries
- Disappointment with someone or a problem
- Self-doubt and insecurity
- Unfinished dreams
Are you a bad person for venting your anger?
Anger will become negative when you vent all your anger on other people, sometimes unrelated people, and that will make them more or less affected. In fact, you cannot always be optimistic and happy in every situation. Facing difficult problems is inevitable, and you have the right to express your anger. Angry writing is a method that can help you understand your thoughts and feelings. After letting go of your burdens, you will feel relieved and relieved, thereby improving your mental health.
Write negativity in a positive way
To keep venting from taking up all your time, controlling your mind, and making you lose control, set yourself appropriate rules:
- Do not write obscene language.
- Writing to vent your anger should only take about 20 – 30 minutes of your day. You can set a timer to ensure you only vent during this time and then return to your normal state.
- No need to pay attention to details: Don’t worry about spelling or punctuation mistakes, simply write down what’s on your mind.
- Store it in a safe place: make sure no one can read your vent.
- If you don’t like writing on paper, you can replace it by drawing, cutting, and pasting in hand, or writing in notes on your phone or laptop. If you still do not feel comfortable writing, you can try making a calming jar – a bottle to vent your anger.
Try practicing vent writing
Science has proven that writing a diary brings many benefits to you. You should choose a suitable writing style to relieve stress and maintain this on a regular basis. The following suggested anger writing topics based on The Anger Book by Elias Baar may be helpful:
3 sentences that hurt me the most?
One thing I can’t tell everyone?
What happened a long time ago but still pains you when you remember it?
An apology you would like to receive?
I will never forget something my parents once said.
What can I never tell my parents?
I’m so jealous because…
Is there something you really want to say to that person?
What’s the most hurtful statement you’ve received?
What am I trying to prove myself for?
What are you most afraid of seeing?
When was the last time I was truly happy?
Write about your first heartbreak.
What happened in the past that still haunts you now?
It is very normal if you are feeling frustrated and uncomfortable. Writing to vent your anger will help you quickly return to a more balanced and calm state, thereby limiting negativity, resentment, and negative impacts on others. Think of the diary as a friend you can completely trust to confide your thoughts, confidences, and problems in life.
