Introduction: Introduce the concept of turning points, explaining how certain events, choices, or experiences often lead to significant change.
Prompts:
• Think of a time when life felt different afterward. What happened, and why was it transformative?
• Describe a decision that altered your life’s path—what were the factors, and how did you feel at the time?
• Recall an unexpected event that reshaped your plans. What impact did it have on your future?
Bonus Visual Prompt: Show a timeline template to help participants identify where turning points occurred throughout their lives.
Week 2: Family and Relationships
Introduction: Explain that family relationships often deeply influence who we are. Family may include biological relatives, close friends, or chosen family.
Prompts:
• Who was the most influential person in your family, and how did they impact you?
• Describe a family tradition or memory that brought you closer together. What made it memorable?
• Reflect on an early memory with a family member or friend who shaped you. How did this experience influence your view of family?
Additional Aid: Encourage participants to bring a family photograph or artifact to inspire memories.
Week 3: Career and Life’s Work
Introduction: Discuss the significance of work in identity and legacy, encouraging participants to reflect on paid or unpaid work, including volunteerism and creative pursuits.
Prompts:
• What was your first job, and how did it shape your values or aspirations?
• Describe a project or accomplishment you are proud of. What impact did it have on you or others?
• Recall a challenging moment in your work life. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn?
Creative Exercise: Have participants imagine a “day in the life” during a peak career moment to spark memories.
Week 4: Health and Body
Introduction: Frame this theme around experiences with health, wellness, and body awareness, which often leave a lasting impact.
Prompts:
Mindfulness Activity: Lead a brief guided meditation to help participants reconnect with their bodies and memories.
Week 5: Beliefs and Values
Introduction: Explain that beliefs and values form our moral compass, often affecting choices and relationships.
Prompts:
Guided Reflection: Ask participants to think about how their values have evolved over time and why.
Week 6: Goals and Aspirations
Introduction: Present this as a chance to reflect on dreams pursued, unrealized, or yet to be fulfilled, and how these goals have shaped life.
Prompts:
Visualization Exercise: Have participants imagine writing a letter to their future selves, reflecting on their journey.
• Describe a time you felt physically or mentally strong. What led you to this feeling?
• Reflect on a health challenge or journey. How did it affect your view of yourself or life?
• What wellness practices, if any, have been meaningful in your life?
• What core beliefs guide you, and how did you come to hold them?
• Describe a moment when you acted on a deeply held value. What happened, and how did it feel?
• Think of a time when your beliefs were challenged. How did you respond, and what impact did it have?
• What was a childhood dream, and how has it evolved? Did you pursue it? Why or why not?
• Describe a goal you achieved and what it meant to you. How did it change you or your outlook?
• What aspirations do you hold for the future? How would you like to be remembered?