Why this story is important
A defining moment is a pivot — a moment when something changed in your life (a decision, an event, an insight) that set you on a new path. Writing it down helps you honor how you got from “before” to “after,” and see the ripple effects through your life. The Times of My Life app invites you to reflect on such turning points.
By telling that moment, you can explore not just what happened but why it mattered, how it shifted your beliefs, values, or direction. It shows growth: how you responded, what you learned, and who you became afterward. The app encourages you to reflect on emotions, decisions, stakes, and change. When you share a defining moment, you allow readers (family, friends, future generations) to see why you are the person you are. It builds empathy and connection. It becomes a key narrative they can point to when asking “What shaped you?” or “Why did you choose that path?”
Preparation checklist
- Gather your thoughts and materials. Review your journals and notes that might help you remember details.
- Browse your photo albums to stimulate memories and choose the photos you might want to use in the story.
- Decide who you’ll share the finished story with. Just yourself? Family? Friends? Public post? Thinking about your audience in advance will help guide what memories and details to include and which ones to leave out.
How to use the Times of My Life App to capture your story:
A) Virtual Biographer Interview
- Open the app > search A Defining Moment.
- Tap “Virtual biographer” to start guided questions.*
- Speak or type answers; the app drafts your story.
- Review, edit, or tap rewrite to craft a different version.
B) Write It Yourself (in the App)
- Open the app > search A Defining Moment.
- Tap “Write myself”. Paste in notes; upload docs or PDFs.
- Polish the draft. Ask the VB to edit it or rewrite it in a different style.
- Write in the first person or third person. Narrate the story in your voice.
*The Virtual Biographer has instant access to similar stories written and shared by millions of other people. It knows what questions to ask and in what order. It can help you relive events, thoughts and feelings. It can help illuminate the essence of your experience and then craft a story that is uniquely yours. If a question doesn’t seem relevant to your experience, just skip it. Answer at least five questions. Tap “Next” and tap “Additional Details” to speak or type from memory.
Add media, save and publish as a printed piece, audiocast, and/or video
Insert photos and video clips wherever you want them to appear in the story narrative. Add voice narration and background music if you want to create an audiocast or video, in addition to a printed piece.
Share and revise as desired
After the story is written by you or your virtual biographer, you can “share” it through he app with friends and loved ones. Their feedback can provide valuable perspective and help you improve your story. After you get their feedback you can go back and edit the story as desired — or ask the Virtual Biographer to rewrite it with the feedback!
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Write the Story Yourself: Suggested Outline
🎬 1. Setting the Scene
- When and where did this moment happen?
- Who was there, and what was the situation or context?
- What was going on in your life leading up to this moment?
⚡ 2. The Event Itself
- Describe exactly what happened.
- What decision, challenge, or experience made it stand out?
- How did you feel in the moment (fear, excitement, relief, joy, sadness)?
🔀 3. The Turning Point
- What changed because of this moment?
- Did it alter your direction, beliefs, or relationships?
- Was it a choice you made or something that happened to you?
🌱 4. Lessons Learned
- What did this moment teach you about yourself, others, or life in general?
- How did it shape your values, mindset, or future path?
- Did it reveal strengths or weaknesses you didn’t know you had?
💫 5. Lasting Impact
- How do you carry this defining moment with you today?
- Does it still influence the way you think, act, or make decisions?
- Would your life look very different if this moment had not happened?
📝 6. Closing Reflection
- In one or two sentences, summarize why this was such a defining moment.
- If you’re sharing with family or future generations: what do you hope they take away from your story?
👉 This outline balances narrative (what happened) with reflection (why it mattered) — so your story becomes both personal and powerful.
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Best Defining Moment Quote
“A defining moment takes a long time to get over, if you ever do.”
— Mick Jones