Life Experiences
I've noticed that some of my best days are the ones where the plan goes completely off track - when a surprise invitation leads to an adventure, or when doing nothing turns out to be exactly what was needed. Today's Memoir Prompt: Think about how you plan your days. How has your approach to daily planning changed over the years? What does this tell you about the changes in yourself?
What's one piece of advice you wish you'd received earlier in life? How would it have changed things for you?
Describe a mistake you made that taught you an important lesson. What happened, and how did you grow from this experience?
What's something new you tried recently? How did it feel to step outside your routine?
Describe a sensory experience from today - a taste, smell, sound, texture, or sight that caught your attention.
What conversation or interaction taught you something unexpected today?
Write about a recent experience that reminded you of something from your past - what connections did you notice?
Reflect on a decision you're facing - what experiences inform how you're approaching this choice?
Think about a recent situation that you interpreted one way, then later saw differently - what shifted your perspective?
Consider how your lived experiences have shaped your worldview - what assumptions or beliefs come from your particular journey?
Write about how you integrate difficult experiences into your life story - how do you make meaning from challenging events?
Reflect on an experience that fundamentally changed you - what was life like before and after this turning point?
Describe your first day at a new school, job, or home - what details stand out in your memory?
Write about a journey or trip that didn't go as planned - what unexpected memories came from this detour?
What's an everyday experience from your youth that would be unfamiliar to younger generations today?
Think about a time when you were immersed in a different culture or community - what surprised, challenged, or delighted you?
Write about an experience that seemed ordinary at the time but later proved to be significant.
Describe a chance encounter or coincidence that led to something meaningful in your life.
Reflect on a transformative experience that altered your priorities or values - what shifted and why?
Write about how living through a particular historical event or era influenced your perspective or choices.
Consider an extended period of your life (university years, a decade, a career) - what narrative themes emerge when you look back at this chapter?
What's one moment from your life that you wish you could relive?
Write about a time when something unexpected happened.
What's a tradition or habit that has remained constant in your life?
Think about a decision that altered your path. What would have happened if you chose differently?
Describe an experience that made you feel truly alive.
Write about a time you had to take a leap of faith.
What's a life-changing moment you didn't see coming? How did it shape you?
If you had to write a chapter of your memoir about a single experience, what would it be?
How has your perspective on life changed as you've grown older?
Think about a seemingly ordinary day that turned out to be important. What happened?
Write about a spontaneous decision that led to something unexpected.
Recall a moment when you felt completely present in the moment.
Describe an experience that taught you a lesson you didn't expect.
Write about a time when a small choice led to a big change in your life.
Have you ever taken a risk that paid off? Tell that story.
Think of an event that changed the direction of your life. How would things be different if it hadn't happened?
Write about a defining moment that you still reflect on today.
Tell the story of a time you had to let go of something—or someone—to move forward.
How do you feel when you are operating at your best? What does it look like? How do you behave?
What does it take to keep you operating at your best? Describe what needs to happen.