Under Construction - MHWA Retreat

Writing Prompts: Please see "Written Prompt Examples" for qualified vs. unqualified written entries.
1. Prompt 1: Have you ever felt like you're missing out in life? Describe a time when you missed an experience that you believe would have been rewarding. What can we do to make sure we're not missing out on important life experiences?
Yes, I have often felt like I have missed out in life. There are times when I missed going to a social event with my sister and her family. I think it may have been rewarding. I do have a health issue that would have made it harder but it would have been nice to have at least tied. What we can do to make sure that we’re not missing out on important life experiences is to at least make an effort to go to a life experience.

2. Prompt 2: What rites of passage have you experienced that you think everyone will experience at some point in their life? In other words, tell us about your notable experiences that are key to the human experience.
My notable experiences that I think are the key to the human experience is to understand that there will be difficulties in life and there will always be difficult people—both are a given; however, be careful that these difficult people and experiences do not define who you are. Be yourself, do what you can and enjoy life because time goes quickly. For most, there will be health concerns, family concerns and there will be happy times as well. Understand, no one is immune from problems but you can still be happy and productive—because the choices you and I make are up to us! I would say look for the good in each day because there often is good but when problems occur—and they will, put your trust in a higher power, do your best and move on.

3. Prompt 3: What do generations misunderstand about each other? Talk about your generation, the generation before you, and the generation after you. How were their experiences the same and how were they different? How do those different experiences shape our viewpoints?
I think generations misunderstand each other because with each generation there are different standards and beliefs; however, we are all human beings—and being human—we can relate to the human condition—that being life, happiness, goals and needs. My parents—the generation before me—had different experiences from WWII, being thrifty due to The Great Depression and different values. My generation, the boomers, were raised differently mostly because our parents suffered and wanted us to have more. Some boomers took advantage of this, while others moved on and did what they could. Yes, every generation is different but we are still human beings and if we want to get along with each other, there must be compromises and understandings.