Unlike lengthy memoirs, a Life Reflection Story is typically comprised of short stories from your life experiences, ones that hold particular significance for you. They can include stories of family heritage, customs and traditions, descriptions of adventures from your past that resonated with you, or moments in time where you learned some tough but valuable lessons. They are usually longer than an ethical will, and can really inform your family and friends about the details of your life that they might not know. Your life reflections will stir memories and may inspire you to make changes . One thing is certain, years from now, others who read it will know who you were and what made you, “you”.
You can choose to write one story or create a whole series throughout your lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why write a Life Reflection Story?
The impact of writing and sharing your Life Reflection Story is profound on two levels. It gives you, the writer, greater perspective and understanding of your own life, even helping you find significance and purpose going forward. And it gives your loved ones insights and wisdom, a connection to their past, a richer understanding of who you are, and a new perspective on their own lives. It provides them with real life examples of how to understand and cope with life’s quandaries as they continue along their life journeys.
What is in a Life Reflection Story?
A collection of bite-sized nuggets from your life experiences.
Here is an example of one of those moments from my own life that taught me a lesson about strength and survival.
After my dad passed away when I was 8, I used to wake up in the morning and see my mother in her room, sitting at the edge of the bed, crying. Her heartbreak was palpable and it scared me. I didn’t know what to do. All I could think was that I need to be as good as I can be so I don’t add any more stress to her life. They were challenging times.
Every day she would call from work and start telling us how to cook a meal while she sat on the phone and gave instructions . Boil the water, take out the meat, set the table, don’t fight with your brothers.
I can’t imagine how tough the times were for her, as I only saw them through my own eyes.
Eventually we began to live again and laugh again. But none of us ever really shared with each other what we were all feeling or going through. I internalized so much. I do remember three years later in school, a teacher looking at me after I answered a question and saying “welcome back”, as though I had been missing in action for a few years. I have no memory of it.
But I still see that picture of my mother at the edge of her bed looking sad. So very sad. And I am grateful that she had the strength and will to get up every day, go to work, and give us all the courage we needed to do the same. She never gave up. Her spirit inspires me to this day.
When do you write a Life Reflection Story?
The most meaningful gifts we leave our loved ones come from our heart. Writing our Life Reflection Stories should not be put off until we have fully lived our lives. Here are some common motivators or life events that may prompt you to write your stories and share your experiences, life lessons and wisdom with your loved ones:
- To mark our own life milestones.
- To celebrate our children’s life events and special milestones.
- To celebrate the lives of our parents and grandparents.
- To share our family heritage, customs and traditions.
- To gain insights into our life lived so far.
- As we embark upon significant life transitions.
- Throughout our lifetime.
- Whenever the spirit moves us!
- Any time is a good time, but don’t wait.
Recognize that one of the unique benefits of Life Reflection Stories is that you can choose to write one story or create a whole series throughout your lifetime.