Reinvention Is The Spice of Memoir

New beginnings? We’ve all had them. In fact, life is always starting anew, it seems. And not just when we’re young!

Maybe you recently retired – and a whole new vista has opened up: Time to travel. Time to sew or read. Time to just explore what you can do and who you might be without the confines of a job.

And think back: Going off to college, or clocking in that first day of a new job. The birth of a child. Getting married and jumping off into a whole new life as a couple. Or how about a big move? To a new town, a new place, or a new house. Yes, those were all fresh starts, too!

Becoming a parent often marks whole new episode in life. (Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy.)

Take a minute to remember all new beginnings you’ve had your life. (You’ll probably find it’s a long list!) Who were you, back then? What were you excited about as you started something new? What fears did you have? Did things turn out as you expected? Or did the river of “real life” sweep you off to somewhere totally unexpected?

Whether it was your first marriage — or your third! — it started off brand new! Who were you then, and what were your hopes and dreams? Was there any fear or trepidation? Did things turn out as you expected? (Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy).

This month, I wanted to share three fun writing prompts

to get you thinking (and hopefully writing) about your own fresh starts in life!

Remember a time when you found yourself in a new physical space. What did you do to embrace this change? What steps did you take to get comfortable and make this fresh place yours? How did you personalize your dorm room or your first apartment? Did you plant anything special in the yard at your first home? What did you hang on the wall at a new job? Did you bring a special mug to work or add a favorite picture to your desk?

From flowers to a hanging basket, antique bench to countrystone pathway, firewood to freshly-lacquered front door, someone took special steps to add their signature and make this house a home. How have you personalized a new place? (Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy).

Now think about the ways you have personalized your space at home right now – things that make you feel especially good to look at; things that remind you of what you love and who you are. Maybe it’s plants or family photos. Maybe it’s an antique that used to belonged to someone special. Perhaps it’s a favorite pen or coffee cup for your desk. Or simply shells you picked up on the beach. What do those things say about you? How do they reflect what you care about?
What do you keep on your desk to remind you of a favorite trip or person? (Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy)
Finally, share what you’ve learned from the transitions and “new beginnings” in your life. Maybe you found that taking things slow made the transition much more manageable. Or perhaps you adored the adventure of jumping in with both feet and figuring things out as you went. What would you tell a child or a grandchild who was fearful of starting something new? And what stories are you eager to share about one of your most memorable new beginnings?

There you go! Your Memoir prompts for this month!
Hope you’ve enjoyed them. Please drop me a line on Facebook
and keep me posted on how your memoir is going!

~ Karen

_____________________________

Want to get more accomplished? Check out our new booklet, The Power of Lists! It’s a quick Kindle read. Check it out right here.

Or look inside for a preview!