A reflection framework
Event, Story, Choice
Notice what happened. Examine the meaning that forms around it. Then consider your next response. Keeping these three parts distinct gives you a simple way to reflect on an everyday moment.
Three parts of one moment
- Event
- What happened, described as simply as you can. Start with what you directly observed, before adding an explanation.
- Story
- The meaning or explanation gathering around the event. A story may feel immediate; naming it helps distinguish it from the event itself.
- Choice
- The response you decide to make next. You can consider your options in light of what you know, or take a moment before responding.
A neutral example
Separate what you know from what you infer
A message has not received a reply yet. The event is that no reply has arrived. “They must be upset with me” is one possible story. A choice might be to wait, ask a clear question later, or carry on with the next thing you planned.
Questions to try
Event
What happened that I could describe without guessing? What do I know directly?
Story
What meaning am I adding? What part of that meaning is still unknown?
Choice
What responses are available to me now? Would I like to act, ask, or pause before deciding?
A three-line pause
For a small, ordinary situation, write one line for each part:
Event: What happened?
Story: What meaning formed around it?
Choice: What response will I consider next?
The aim is simply to name each part clearly. You do not need to settle the story or rush into a response; a pause is also a choice you can consider.