The Power of ‘I Remember When…’ – A Writing Exercise That Stuck With Me
Over the weekend, I had the privilege of attending a writer’s retreat run by the incredible Sarah Armstrong as part of Words Out West, hosted by Western Downs Regional Council. It was such a nourishing space to reconnect with writing, creativity, and other storytellers.
One of my favourite moments was a simple 10-minute free writing exercise that started with the words “I remember when…”. No pressure, no editing—just letting the words flow. It was surprising what surfaced in such a short time, and how powerful that small prompt could be.
If you’re feeling stuck, or just want to explore your thoughts, I highly recommend giving it a go. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Start with “I remember when…” and see where it takes you.
“I remember when life was normal and I think I was happy. I say think, as opposed to was, because these days, I find myself questioning the very concept of happiness.
What does happiness truly look like? Maybe it changes over time, depending on our age and the stage of life we’re in. Perhaps as we grow and evolve, so too does our understanding of what happiness really means.
As I sit here now, I wonder… am I happy? I think about the people who cross my path each day—the woman at the corner store who always greets me with a warm smile, the friendly stranger who holds the door open. Are they happy?
I reflect on the things that bring me happiness now. Simple things. Watching a sunset. Going for a walk. Yoga, meditation, and moments of connection with people who make me feel seen and valued.
There was a time when I believed happiness came from the job I had, the car I drove, or the clothes I wore. But the past 12 months have taught me that true happiness comes from inner peace. That quiet, steady contentment you carry within yourself.
Don’t get me wrong—I recently bought a new car, and this morning I booked a trip to Egypt. And yes, those things absolutely bring me great joy!“
Sometimes the best stories are hiding just beneath the surface. Try free writing for 10 minutes and write below. “I remember when…”.
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