Memoir Writing Prompt: What mistake did you make in life and what lesson did you learn?

“To err is human; to forgive divine” was first quoted by the famous poet, Alexander Pope (1688-1744). Today, let’s consider only the first independent clause “to err is human.” We’ll tackle the last part another day. When I asked my 96-year-old mother what she would do differently if she had the opportunity to live life all over again, she said, “Nothing. I wouldn’t change a thing.” I wish I could say the same. I think I would change a lot of things. So many wrong decisions; so many unkind words; so many friends I have lost touch with. But according to Mom, each one of those errors had a purpose in my life. Another way to put it is . . . If I never made a mistake, it means I haven’t lived.

Memoir Writing Prompt: Think back on one major mistake that if given the chance, you would go back and live out in a different way. Describe the event and what happened. Then write the lesson you learned through that happening. Perhaps the writing of your mistake and the lesson learned can help one of your family members from making the same wrong decision.

Today’s Writing Prompt: What major decision are you up against today? What friend have you not talked with in a very long time? Write about your “plan of action” to make the right decision.

Have fun writing for your generations to come.