Reflecting on Life's Branching Moments: Finding meaning in the decisions that shape us

Life is full of turning points—moments that shape us in ways we may not fully realize. Often, we revisit these experiences in familiar ways, viewing them through the same lens each time. But what if we could break out of that pattern and shine a fresh light on these memories? Simple writing exercises can help us do just that, revealing the richness of our lives in ways that structured thinking alone can’t reach.

In a recent workshop, I invited participants to reflect on a pivotal moment with a quick flash-writing exercise. One participant shared, "Wow, in that brief time, it took me right back to the space where I had a big decision to make and was tormented. So these questions you have for reflection would be a good guide for me to complete that picture." Another noted, "It took me back to an event - a story - that I've visited quite a few times. It's a narrative that's been kind of repeated but there's more to it. I was able to somewhat deepen my understanding of it. If I had more time, I'm pretty sure I could do that even more."

These moments remind us that reflecting on our stories can unlock new perspectives, helping us shape not only the life we’re living now but also the legacy we leave behind.