Past Prompts

Did you ever take some action to right a wrong? The late Congressman John Lewis, who devoted his life to racial justice and equality, famously said, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." Think back … Did you ever get in good, necessary trouble? It need not be a political action. It could be something seemingly minor like taking a stand at a PTA meeting or writing a letter to the editor. What did you do and what was the consequence? Share your good trouble stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Some of us are artists, and some are not, but we have all enjoyed art in one form or another in our lives. Think back … have you created art when you were a child or later as an adult? If so, what medium was or is your favorite? If you have just enjoyed art as a spectator, was it in museums, galleries, or some other place? Do you collect art yourself? Share your art and art museums stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Universal Letter Writing Week, January 10-17, encourages us to put pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard and write to someone. Most likely, you communicate with the people in your life via email and texts these days, and writing letters is a lost art. Picture your younger self and write yourself an actual letter. Think back … At what stage of your life would a letter from who you are now have been most helpful? What advice would you give yourself? What stories would you like your younger self to know? Share your "letter to my younger self" stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Happy New Year! Now that we have expressed gratitude at the Thanksgiving table, and the season of gift giving is over, some formal thank yous might be in order—but how formal? Are handwritten thank you notes relics of the past or still relevant? When, if ever, does an email or text suffice? Think back … to how you were taught to thank others. What about now? How do you or your children offer thanks for presents or kind gestures? And is saying “you’re welcome” a lost art? Share your Thank You stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Binges, benders, and sprees have long been associated with negative behavior like excessive drinking, eating, or even shopping. Today, thanks to digital streaming, we binge-watch a new TV series the day it’s released, watching multiple episodes in quick succession for instant gratification and no harmful effects. Think back…what form, if any, has bingeing taken in your life? Are you currently enjoying something binge-worthy? Share your "What are you bingeing?" stories forward.
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