The “5 Whys” . . . Prompt #844

  • The “5 Whys” . . . Prompt #844

    Prompt One

    Make a list of five physical / tangible things you want to own or have.

    In your wildest dreams, what are five material things you want?

    Prompt Two

    Make a brief list of five changes you would like to make.

    Could be emotional, health, financial, or personal.

    Be specific. For example:

    Emotional: Change attitude or feelings that don’t serve you. Is there something you are having a hard time letting go? List that, or those, if there are more than one.

    Rather than good health: Lose weight, change eating habits, drink more water, etc.

    Rather than exercise: Be specific about types of movement, etc.

    Rather than the broad category of “financial,” consider: Freedom from present money worries, wanting future financial security, etc.

    In your wildest dreams, what are five personal things you want?

    Prompt Three
    From Facebook post by Interesting World, April 24, 2025:

    Sometimes, the real reason for something isn’t the first one . . . it’s the fifth.

    Sakichi Toyoda, founder of Toyota, had a habit.

    Whenever something didn’t make sense, he’d pull out a simple tool — not from a toolbox, but from his mind:

    The “5 Whys” rule.

    It’s exactly what it sounds like. You ask “Why?” — not once, but five times.

    Note from Marlene: A fur coat is somewhat of a silly example, but you will get the idea.

    Sakichi Toyoda:

    Let’s say you want a fur coat.

    Ask yourself:

    • Why do I want a fur coat?

    Because I want to impress people.

    • Why do I want to impress people?

    Because I want attention.

    • Why do I want attention?

    Because I feel insecure.

    • Why do I feel insecure?

    Because I feel stuck — like I’m not growing.

    • Why am I not growing?

    Because I’m doing something I don’t love.

    And suddenly, the coat has nothing to do with warmth or style. It’s about purpose. About identity.

    And that fifth “why”? That’s the one that tells the truth.

    That’s where you are hiding. And sometimes, that’s where healing begins.

    Sakichi Toyoda gave the world more than just cars.

    He gave us a method to peel away the layers — until we finally see ourselves clearly.

    So next time you’re unsure — don’t just stop at the surface.

    Ask why. Then ask again.

    Until you reach the real answer.

    Marlene C

  • A contest you won, or almost won . . . Prompt #844

    Write about a contest you won

    OR came close to winning

    OR wish you had won

    #justwrite #amwriting #imawriter

    Marlene C

  • Something you made . . . Prompt #843

    Write about something you made.

    Did you keep it or give it to someone?

    Just Write!

    #amwriting #justwrite #iamawriter

    Marlene C

  • What are you tired of? . . . Prompt #842

    Writing Prompt:

    What are you tired of?

    #justwrite #iamwriting #iamawriter

    Marlene C

  • Dastardly Deeds . . . Prompt #841

    Pete Suitcase

    Writing Prompt:

    Dastardly Deeds that someone did to you.

    Dastardly Deeds you did.

    Have you forgiven them?

    Have you forgiven yourself?

    Can you?

    What would it take to forgive?

    Marlene C

  • Write a letter to someone who . . . Prompt #840

    Someone took care of you when you were little. A mother, father, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling. Hopefully there was someone you could rely on.

    Someone who helped you learn things, how to navigate life.

    Most of us had someone we could count on. And if we didn’t have that, we learned to make-do, to take care of ourselves.

    Who helped you learn about life? Who gave you advice? Who could you turn to?

    Write a letter to that person.

    Something to think about when writing this letter:

    You can heal your life.

    Just Write!

    Marlene C

  • A mother figure . . . Prompt #839

    Maybe you have biological children, or adopted children, maybe you were, or are, a mother figure to someone.

    Maybe you have taken care of, or are still, taking care of someone.

    Write about someone you are caring for . . . either as mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, spouse, partner, sibling, friend.

    Someone you are responsible for.

    Or someone you do things for. It could be big things: Cook, take to doctor visits, oversee finances.

    It could be little things.

    Write about a person who trusts you, who calls on you, who looks forward to being with you.

    A friend.

    Write about being a mother, a mother figure, a caretaker, or someone who other people depend on.

    If that doesn’t work, write about dreams you had . . . when you were a teenager, when you were dreaming of your future, what did you envision?

    Just write!

    Marlene C

  • How you became who you are . . . Prompt #838

    Write about how you became who you are.

    Why you are the way you are.

    Is it genetics, epigenetics, nature, nurture, not nurtured?

    Remember a pivotal event. Something happened that changed the trajectory of your life. You may not have known it at the time. But looking back, you might discover the “aha” moment.

    How to find that pivotal event, that “aha” moment:

    • Maybe there is a clue in something you write about repeatedly.
    • Scroll through your memory bank of photos, “see” a photo where you are frowning. What is that frown about?
    • There is an uncomfortableness when you remember a particular occasion.
    • You can also write about a highly emotional situation, starting with, “Here’s what happened . . .” You don’t have to think about an epiphany. Just write like a reporter, “Here’s what happened . . .”

    You might not find a pivotal event during this writing. However, if you keep writing, it might pop up.

    Just Write!

    Marlene C

  • Write about yourself . . . Prompt #837

    Write about yourself.

    Ideas on how to start:

    Basically I am [optimistic], sometimes I am [pessimistic].

    When no one is listening, I [sing out oud].

    When no one is watching, I [dance].

    I am slow to [warm up to people].

    I quickly [form opinions].

    You can use these sentence starts:

    I am determined . . .

    Basically I am . . .

    Sometimes I am . . .

    When no one is listening, I . . .

    When no one is watching, I . . .    

    I am slow to . . .

    I quickly . . .

    I am determined . . .

    Marlene’s Musings:

    I have often thought about how to “show” body language when writing. When we interact with others, there is much about body language that conveys our mood, emotions, reactions. How to show these things? The Emotion Thesaurus to our rescue!

    Marlene C

  • I was going to . . . Prompt #836

    I was going to . . . and then . . .

    OR:

    I planned to . . . but then . . .

    OR:

    I thought I would . . . but then . . .

    Marlene C