Personally I find it easiest to make a reflective essay on certain points in my life, sort of like a memoir by using the same format as an essay (introduction paragraph, body paragraph, conclusion, etc.)
Some ideas for a reflective essay/ prompts (taken directly from my creative writing course:
- 1. Write about the person who has had a large impact on your life. Be sure that you also explain the impact that the person had on you. Be careful to focus mostly on yourself in this memoir, rather than just describing the person.
2. Write about a large decision that you have made. Include the following: What led up to the decision? How did you make the decision? What was your final decision? And what was the impact of the decision?
3. Write about an eye-opening experience that you had that made you think about life differently.
4. Write about a mistake or a success that you have experienced that has made the difference.
5. Write about a time that you were true to yourself rather than following the crowd. You made your decision based on what was best for you instead of making the popular decision or path of least resistance.
6. Write about a time that you forgave someone. Describe the process of forgiveness and the effect it had on that relationship. What are your views on forgiveness after the experience?
7. Write about a time that you needed to be forgiven. Include details about what it felt like while waiting to see if you were going to be forgiven and then explain what it felt like to be forgiven or not forgiven. Include insights into your view of this process of forgiveness after your experience.
8. Describe a moment or day or event from your past that really stands out. Make sure that you include many details. Why does this day stand out, why your memory of this day is so strong? How did this experience impact you? How are you different as a result of this event?
9. Write about something that has impacted your life. You can choose to be humorous or serious with this one. For example, you can write about being the youngest or oldest in your family. You could choose to write about living in the country or city. Or you could write about having red hair.
I hope this answers your question and I hope you have a good day! :)
