Dream First: Hates and Loves

Dear World – Step 1

List five things you hate and five things you love.

We all have opinions, but sometimes we stop ourselves from expressing them. There’s good reason not to vent in public, but opinion writing requires you to tap into your own passions and loathings. Start by making a quick list.

To help spark hates and loves, take a walk around your neighborhood or home. Allow your observations to flow into your feelings and don’t worry about being high-minded. Give yourself permission to list irritating people, pet peeves, or pop touchstones you hate or love (movies, celebrities, songs, and so on).

Then respond to the prompt below in your Process Notebook.

Suggested Time for List + Walk: 15 minutes

Suggested Time for Prompt: 5 minutes

Take a brief walk, letting your mind wander. Afterward, list five things you hate, followed by five loves. Try not to censor yourself in this private list.

Process Notebook Prompt:

Why do you hate/love these things? Add a brief explanation for each list item.

Write freely about each item, including at least a sentence for how you feel about it. Be specific rather than abstract or judgmental. Humor is a plus.