Confronting The Past [REAL »]

Once the raw story is down, step back to analyze its implications.

: Reflect on how you reacted to those past hurts. Often, we develop dysfunctional behaviors (e.g., seeking false confidence or self-sabotage) as a shield against that pain. Phase 2: The Analytical Shift Confronting the Past

: Don't worry about prose, grammar, or making it "pretty". The first draft's only job is to exist . Once the raw story is down, step back

: Pinpoint the specific past event causing psychological trauma . Describe the people, places, and sensory details (sights, sounds, scents) to ground the memory. Once the raw story is down

In this initial stage, the goal is not to write a "product" but to capture raw material.