One small prompt, one personal story — that’s what Pen Your Past™ is all about.
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Why This Might Be Worth Writing About
When we look back on different chapters of our lives, we often remember the music that played in the background. A song can instantly transport us to a feeling, a phase, a decision point.
But what about the chapter we’re in now?
Writing about your current soundtrack gives future-you a way to remember what this season felt like, not just what happened. It also helps your loved ones understand you in a deeper, more layered way. Your soundtrack can become a time capsule for your mood, mindset, and meaning.
If You’re Not Sure Where to Begin…
- What’s one song you’ve been playing a lot lately?
- Is there a lyric that feels especially personal right now?
- What songs help you feel grounded, strong, or comforted?
- If your life had a “closing credits” scene from this month, what music would play over it?
- Do you notice your music tastes shifting as you get older?
🖋 This doesn’t have to become a full playlist. Even a few song titles, moods, or moments can tell a powerful story..
🎵 My Life, One Story at a Time
I grew up plastering my walls with posters of rock bands — the kind with beautiful, big hair and guitar solos that made you feel like picking up the air guitar. Over the years, I fell in love with almost every genre: Boys II Men, Tupac, Fleetwood Mac, Randy Travis, Skid Row… you name it. There was a huge playlist for every season.
These days, I work remotely as an accountant, and I usually play jazz or instrumental playlists just to have background noise that won’t hijack my focus. But if the regular radio sneaks on? It’s game over — my brain and mouth start singing along, word for word. I’m still shocked by how many lyrics live in my head rent-free.
And somehow, in the past year, I became a full-on Swiftie. (Yeah, a 50-year-old new Swiftie) I wrote about it in a fun post about a couple cool things in my life in 2024, if you’re curious. Let’s just say The Tortured Poets Department became my go-to soundtrack — for driving, working, and even winding down. I finally realized: I love Taylor Swift’s music from nearly every era.
Music is my favorite kind of time travel. The right song at the right moment? It’s like hitting pause on life — even if just for three minutes at a time.
✍🏼 Share Your Prompted Story
👉🏼 You’re welcome to share your story here. From time to time, I feature reader stories in my newsletter.
📖 Keep the Stories Going
Want more guided prompts and printable pages? The Story Pebbles: Everyday Fun & Laughter Pack is waiting for you.
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Want more prompts, stories, and tools? Explore the Reflect Path Hub for everything in one place.
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🔍 Explore Other Stories
If you’re new to the Pen Your Past series, you can find earlier prompts here, or start from the beginning with One Story at a Time #1. Every week, I share one reflective question to help you tell the stories that matter—without needing a perfect memory or a writing degree. The people that love you are going to enjoy reading about you for decades and centuries to come!
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📓 Looking Ahead
I’ll be back next week with a new prompt and it’s a GOOD ONE (at least I think so).
Until then, maybe make a playlist just for you. Or scribble down a few lines that make you feel something. Let your soundtrack tell a cool story.
If this prompt brought a great story and you want to share, I’d love to hear it.
You can share in the comments, email me directly, or Submit your story — either way, I’d be honored to read it.
With love,
Kari
