Six-Word Stories, Statements, and Exclamations: A Journaling Exercise
/ Coping with Grief : Eleanor Haley
Legend has it that famous author Ernest Hemingway, out to lunch at the Algonquin, bet a table full of fellow writers he could write a short story in just 6 words. His companions had their doubts and wagered 10 dollars each to put Hemingway to the test. As the tale goes, Hemingway believed the resulting story to be his finest work ever.
Although the validity of this anecdote is contested, there’s absolutely no question this is a darn fine short story. Like all stories, it has the basics – a beginning, middle, and end. As well as all the things that make a story great – emotion, detail, and interest.
The tale of Hemingway’s ‘Baby Shoes’ continues to interest literary fans to this day, and six-word stories (classified as ‘short short stories’ or sometimes ‘flash fiction’) can be found all over the place.
But perhaps most notable is a book series created by Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleisger of Smith Maganize. In 2006, they asked Smith Magazine readers to submit their life stories in just 6 words. From this grew their first book, Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs from Writers Famous & Obscure, and after this came an entire book series. You can read a few excerpts in this NPR story or go to their website (linked above) where they share all sorts of stories.
I really like six-word stories (for our purposes six-word stories, statements, and exclamations), especially when talking about feelings and emotions. Emotional expression often makes people nervous and uncomfortable which is why we sometimes shy away from them. Show of hands, how many of you feel uncomfortable the minute something emotional leaves your mouth? Either you clam up or you awkwardly keep talking all the while wondering just how strange it would seem if you started running in the other direction.
Six-word stories are perfect little bite-sized emotional expressions. You can throw it out there and leave it open to interpretation. Interestingly enough, because of our common threads and shared experiences, we can often intuit enough about the story to understand exactly what it means. Which leads me to wonder, why am I wasting so much time talking when all I need are six words!?!
Brevity is certainly not my strong suit, yet the constraints of choosing only 6 words feel strangely freeing. It relieves the pressure of writing a perfect and precise story or explanation. The flip side of this of course, for all you men and women of few words, is using only six words sits right there in your verbal comfort zone.
The key to the six-word story, statement, or exclamation is finding the perfect 6 words to communicate your point. If we were talking strictly about ‘stories’ we would say that you should strive for a beginning, a middle, and an end; but because many of us are trying this exercise for the first time, we’re not going to worry about the structure so much as the content.
I found an interesting story while I was reading about the Smith Magazine book series on Wikipedia (my top source for information behind IMDB). In February of 2009, Smith and Fershleiser appeared on the Leonard Lopate Show on WNYC. During the segment, a listener (Anne from Hell’s Kitchen) shared her six-word memoir…
“I found my mother’s suicide note”
Sparking an intense discussion on how Anne came to terms with her mother’s death and the role the note played in this. The suicide note itself was just six words…
“No flowers, no funeral, no nothing.”
I was struck by how perfectly both of these six-word statements conveyed the emotion, turmoil, distress, and despair that would likely be found in the longer version of the story. A few carefully chosen words can tell the whole story.
Of course many find benefit in telling their whole story (many don’t) but I think there is certainly a place for six-word stories and statements in therapeutic emotional expression. It’s an art form that allows you to express something by picking and choosing the details you wish to convey and allows others (if you care to share) to draw on their inner-selves and shared experiences to interpret the narrative.
For this reason, we put together a brief journaling exercise. The following are 11 things I want you to write a 6-word story about. For those of you who do the exercise, I think you will be surprised by some of the words you ultimately choose.
Afterward, you will see Litsa and I have shared our 6-word stories. If you feel up to it, please share yours as well in the comments below, on Facebook, or Tweet it to @whatsyourgrief on Twitter.
Using only 6 words write:
1. A story about your loved one
2. A story about the death
3. A story about you before he/she died
4. A story about you after he/she died
5. A story about a good memory
6. A story about something that makes you mad
7. A story about something that gives you anxiety
8. A story about something that gives you hope
9. A story about how you feel about death
10. A story about your loved one’s best quality
11. Something you wish people knew about your grief.
Want more grief journaling? Check out our 30-day Self-Guided Grief Journaling Intensive, or the following articles:
- 5 Benefits of Grief Journaling
- Continuing Bonds: A Grief Journal Exercise
- Growth from Grief (and a Journaling Exercise)
- Missing Moments & Letter Writing: A Journal Exercise
- Love Your Regret
- Support System Superlatives: A Journaling Exercise
- Wedding Day Advice: A Journal Exercise
You’re probably going to forget about ‘What’s Your Grief’ if you don’t bookmark us now. The most reliable way to follow along is to subscribe to receive e-mails straight to your inbox.
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Tim March 12, 2020 at 3:18 am
From the streets to law school.
Asher September 23, 2019 at 4:34 pm
death knocks , time stops , jaw drops
Alan March 31, 2019 at 7:27 am
Story about death.
I told you I was ill.
Amanda January 19, 2019 at 8:59 am
2. Wednesdays were ours, until that Tuesday.
9. Still want “forever” promises to keep.
11. Grief will turn 27, she didn’t.
Pia lives January 6, 2019 at 10:24 am
Using only 6 words write:
1. A story about your loved one
She is always in my heart
2. A story about the death
Didn’t understand what I did
3. A story about you before he/she died
Frightened, responsibilities, way out, not mine.
4. A story about you after he/she died
Erasure, freedom, loss, grief, love, hope.
5. A story about a good memory
Rachel’s Vineyard naming ceremony: Pia eternal.
6. A story about something that makes you mad
Only bunch of cells: no evidence.
7. A story about something that gives you anxiety
Women with rights: baby had none.
8. A story about something that gives you hope
Eternity: forgiveness from Pia. Tears wiped.
9. A story about how you feel about death
Sad: without forgiveness. Happy: eternal chances.
10. A story about your loved one’s best quality
She forgave: she loves: no malice.
11. Something you wish people knew about your grief.
It hurts: so quiet in here.
Marie April 18, 2018 at 5:09 pm
1. A story about your loved one
Sweet sounds of the sage’s song
2. A story about the death
Emptiness, without comfort; empty black hole
3. A story about you before he/she died
Full of wonderment, warmth, and support
4. A story about you after he/she died
Numb, empty, sad, depressed, alone, unsupported
5. A story about a good memory
Smiling, being sarcastic and laughing, birthday
6. A story about something that makes you mad
Sudden unplanned loss, loss of future
7. A story about something that gives you anxiety
Who will listen and be there
8. A story about something that gives you hope
Babies, kindness of strangers, children living
9. A story about how you feel about death
Inevitable, quick or long, loss endures.
10. A story about your loved one’s best quality
sarcastic survivor, authentic listener, own woman
11. Something you wish people knew about your grief
Emptiness is temporarily filled by kindness
Marie April 18, 2018 at 5:09 pm
1. A story about your loved one
Sweet sounds of the sage’s song
2. A story about the death
Emptiness, without comfort; empty black hole
3. A story about you before he/she died
Full of wonderment, warmth, and support
4. A story about you after he/she died
Numb, empty, sad, depressed, alone, unsupported
5. A story about a good memory
Smiling, being sarcastic and laughing, birthday
6. A story about something that makes you mad
Sudden unplanned loss, loss of future
7. A story about something that gives you anxiety
Who will listen and be there
8. A story about something that gives you hope
Babies, kindness of strangers, children living
9. A story about how you feel about death
Inevitable, quick or long, loss endures.
10. A story about your loved one’s best quality
sarcastic survivor, authentic listener, own woman
11. Something you wish people knew about your grief
Emptiness is temporarily filled by kindness
Marie April 18, 2018 at 5:08 pm
1. A story about your loved one
Sweet sounds of the sage’s song
2. A story about the death
Emptiness, without comfort; empty black hole
3. A story about you before he/she died
Full of wonderment, warmth, and support
4. A story about you after he/she died
Numb, empty, sad, depressed, alone, unsupported
5. A story about a good memory
Smiling, being sarcastic and laughing, birthday
6. A story about something that makes you mad
Sudden unplanned loss, loss of future
7. A story about something that gives you anxiety
Who will listen and be there
8. A story about something that gives you hope
Babies, kindness of strangers, children living
9. A story about how you feel about death
Inevitable, quick or long, loss endures.
10. A story about your loved one’s best quality
sarcastic survivor, authentic listener, own woman
11. Something you wish people knew about your grief
Marie April 18, 2018 at 5:08 pm
1. A story about your loved one
Sweet sounds of the sage’s song
2. A story about the death
Emptiness, without comfort; empty black hole
3. A story about you before he/she died
Full of wonderment, warmth, and support
4. A story about you after he/she died
Numb, empty, sad, depressed, alone, unsupported
5. A story about a good memory
Smiling, being sarcastic and laughing, birthday
6. A story about something that makes you mad
Sudden unplanned loss, loss of future
7. A story about something that gives you anxiety
Who will listen and be there
8. A story about something that gives you hope
Babies, kindness of strangers, children living
9. A story about how you feel about death
Inevitable, quick or long, loss endures.
10. A story about your loved one’s best quality
sarcastic survivor, authentic listener, own woman
11. Something you wish people knew about your grief
brianna December 4, 2016 at 3:01 am
You went out with a bang
Kacy October 6, 2016 at 10:01 am
All we have is this day.
Cindy Randall October 6, 2016 at 7:26 am
If only just one more moment.
Heidi Passalacqua March 15, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Here’s to making it count! Cheers!
Marguerite O'Connor March 15, 2016 at 9:34 am
Loving, working, faith-based mother/ friend
Manette March 15, 2016 at 6:02 am
Trapped. Hold her hand? Too late.
Six words about my biggest regret.
Hillary March 15, 2016 at 12:03 am
You didn’t get to be born.
Barbara March 14, 2016 at 6:33 pm
Who’ll be proud of me now?
Jennie March 14, 2016 at 2:05 pm
Stillborn baby, born still, still born
Alice March 14, 2016 at 12:54 pm
Another morning, and he’s still dead
Vicki January 28, 2016 at 4:00 pm
1. A story about your loved one.
Music man, husband, loves his daughter.
2. A story about the death.
Suddenly flames were consuming the sky.
3. A story about you before he died.
Separate yet connected, our beautiful daughter.
4. A story about you after he died.
Last flaming image refuses to leave.
5. A story about a good memory.
Our daughter loving the Christmas lights.
6. A story about something that makes you mad.
Our daughter reaction to his death.
7. A story about something that gives you anxiety.
It could happen to someone else.
8. A story about something that gives you hope.
His goodness repeats in his daughter.
9. A story about how you feel about death.
One short sleep, we wake eternal.
10. A story about your loved one’s best quality.
Always found forgiveness easy to do.
11. Something you wish people knew about your grief.
Why it’s difficult trusting God again.
joan rescigno December 30, 2015 at 4:03 pm
Thank you so much for this idea and everyone who shared. I need to be a part of this group!
Theresa Williams September 7, 2014 at 11:45 pm
I have begun the six word journal and I’m going to share it with my therapist!
Litsa September 8, 2014 at 2:59 pm
That is great Theresa. Journals can feel overwhelming for non-writers, so I think a 6 word journal is a great idea!
Gwen H July 22, 2014 at 7:59 pm
Thanks, Eleanor. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer. Sorry for your loss.
Jennifer July 19, 2014 at 8:34 pm
1. A story about your loved one
kicking legs: Daddy’s voice, chocolate custard.
2. A story about the death
delivery excitement, silent doppler, shattered hearts
2. A story about you before he/she died
excitedly dreaming of my heart’s completion
4. A story about you after he/she died
who am I now? still confused
5. A story about a good memory
memorized God’s fingerprints, nine pounds perfect
6. A story about something that makes you mad
an induction would have saved him
7. A story about something that gives you anxiety
God please don’t take another child.
8. A story about something that gives you hope
Eternally together, rocking, singing, completion. finally.
9. A story about how you feel about death
Blink of an eye everything destroyed
10. A story about your loved one’s best quality
Forevermore, he made my heart expand.
11. Something you wish people knew about your grief.
smiles deceive, everyday struggle, full closet
Eleanor July 20, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Jennifer,
These are so moving. Thank you so much for your willingness to share. I’m so sorry about the death of your dear baby. My heart goes out to you.
Eleanor
Gwen H July 18, 2014 at 6:00 pm
1. A story about your loved one
Best memories: sleepovers and giggling girls.
2. A story about the death
Daughter died at 19 not 91.
2. A story about you before he/she died
They were born, my life began.
4. A story about you after he/she died
Daughter died (half of me died).
5. A story about a good memory
The book smelled like childhood memories.
6. A story about something that makes you mad
They all lied. Bogeyman is real.
7. A story about something that gives you anxiety
So much loss. Am I cursed?
8. A story about something that gives you hope
There’s always hope. Until child dies.
9. A story about how you feel about death
Could a time machine save her?
10. A story about your loved one’s best quality
Smiling fiery compassionate sweet old soul.
11. Something you wish people knew about your grief.
Birthday balloons brought to grave. Devastating.
Eleanor July 20, 2014 at 3:02 pm
“Smiling fiery compassionate sweet old soul”, I love that Gwen. Thank you so much for sharing.
Dawn Herring May 6, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Eleanor,
I love the succinctness of writing just 6 words to get your point across. What that does is really making you more aware of what you really want to say, getting to the heart of the matter. That’s the magic of journaling: Getting to the hear of the matter no matter what the situation is you’re writing about. I love the list of prompts you provide and the examples you shared. Helps solidify your premise.
I have chosen your post, Six-Word Stories, Statements, and Exclamations: A Journaling Exercise, for the #JournalChat Pick of the Day on 5/7/13 for all things journaling on Twitter; a link will be posted on the social networks, on my blog and website Refresh with Dawn Herring, and in my weekly Refresh Journal: https://tinyurl.com/d82qa6u.
#JournalChat Live is every Thursday, 5 EST/2 PST, for all things journaling on Twitter; our topic this week is Your Journaling: New Frontiers.
Six words is a great place to focus. Thanks for the idea.
Be refreshed,
Dawn Herring
Your Refreshment Specialist
Host of #JournalChat Live and Links Edition on Twitter
Author of The Birthday Wall: Create a Collage to Celebrate Your Child
Eleanor May 6, 2013 at 5:41 pm
Dawn, I couldn’t agree more! I think so often people believe in order to journal they have to be great with words and write lengthy entries, when in reality they may garner just as much benefit from activities that focus on shorter entries/statements.
Thanks for selecting our exercise for the #journalchat pick of the day. I will keep an eye out for the links and tweet/post as well!