Questions to ask - DIY

---

·  Let’s start right at the beginning.

·  Could you introduce yourself? Your name and the year you were born (If that’s OK to ask?)

·  Where were your parents born, how they met and what you know about their lives before you came along?

·  Can you tell me where you were born and where you grew up?

·  What was your family life like when you were a child? Brothers/sisters, Grandparents, your home. What do you remember about the atmosphere at home?

·  What are some vivid memories from your early childhood that still stick with you?

·  How would you describe yourself as a child? – Curious, shy, serious?

·  Were there any people outside your immediate family who had a big influence on you early on?

·  Did you move around during your childhood, or did you grow up in one place? How did that impact you?

·  Now let’s move into your teenage years.

·  What were you like as a teenager? What mattered most to you then? Fashion, music, places, pets, sport?

·  What was your relationship like with your family during those years?

·  Did you have a best friend or a group of friends who shaped who you were?

·  Was there a teacher or mentor who really left a mark on you?

·  What were some of the biggest challenges or struggles you faced as a teen? How did you overcome these?

·  Did you have any dreams or ambitions about your future during those years?

·  Do you remember your first experience of love or heartbreak? Who was your first love? Did you have a crush on someone famous? Have posters on your bedroom wall?

·  ·  Let’s talk about your early adult life.

·  What were some of the first big decisions you made – about career, education, or relationships?

·  Did you travel or live in a new place during this time? How did that shape your perspective?

·  Who were the important people in your life in your 20s and 30s?

·  Did you take any big risks in your young adult years? How did they turn out?

·  How did your ideas about love, success, or happiness evolve during this time?

·  Now let’s explore your middle years (Age 40’s) – when life can be very full and intense.

·  What were some of your proudest accomplishments during this period?

·  Did you raise a family, build a career, or work on a project that really mattered to you?

·  What were some of the tougher times, and how did you get through them?

·  Was there anything you learned about yourself that surprised you?

·  Were there places you lived or traveled to that really impacted you during these years?

·  What role did love, friendship, or community play during this part of your life?

·  ·  Let’s come to the more recent chapters of your life (Age 50’s plus).

·  How do you feel about aging – what’s changed for you?

·  What matters most to you now, that maybe didn’t earlier?

·  When you think about the hard times you’ve lived through, what kept you going?

·  Looking back, are there things you regret or wish you had done differently?

·  Have you made peace with your past? Are there any parts that still feel unfinished?

·  Who are the most important people in your life now?

·  · ·  Let’s shift to the future and the wisdom you’ve gained.

·  What do you hope the future holds for you and those you love?

·  Is there something you still want to learn, do, places you want to visit, or experience you want?

·  If you could give a message to someone just starting out in life, what would it be?

·  What has life taught you – about love, failure, purpose, or meaning?

·  If you could go back and speak to your younger self at any point, what would you say?

·  What kind of legacy would you like to leave behind?

··  Before we wrap up…

·  Is there a question you wish I had asked you today?

·  Is there anything else you’d like to share – a story, a message, or just something on your heart?

·  THANK YOU FOR SHARING!