Lessons from Living
A ZestPal Research Project
Capturing real stories, real wisdom, and the life lessons no one ever taught us
The Origin StorySome lessons only come from lived experience
There are things in life that no one really teaches you. Not in school, not always at home, and you often don’t learn them until you've lived through them yourself.
Some of the most valuable lessons don’t come from textbooks or theories.
They come from the human experience.
What this Project is About
Real Life Stories from Real People
Lessons From Living collects honest stories about life, choices, challenges, and what we've learned along the way.
The aim is to create a growing library of lived experience, capturing the kind of knowledge that often slips through the cracks:
How people navigate difficult decisions
What relationships have taught them
Lessons from failure, change, and uncertainty
Reflections that only come with time and experience
Over time, the collected material will be shaped into educational content, stories, and resources that others can learn from.
Drowning in Information, Starving for Wisdom
This project was created in response to a growing gap in practical life skills and lived wisdom that many people feel is no longer being passed down.
Schools focus on academic learning, but everyday knowledge about relationships, decision-making, life experience, or even just practical life skills, is frequently missing.
Lessons from Living bridges that gap by giving people a space to share what life has taught them, so we can all learn from their stories.
The Project Needs You
Looking for people with life experience to share
There’s no “right” kind of story — whether you’ve lived through big changes or simply have reflections on everyday life, your perspective is valuable.
Participants are invited to reflect on their experiences, life lessons, and personal stories, preserving real-world knowledge that often goes untaught.
This growing library of human insight will later be developed into educational materials, books, films, and other media.
Your story matters. Something that feels ordinary to you might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
How It Works
Option 1: Interview in Writing
You can participate in writing by filling out a questionnaire.
Questions include:
What are the things that really matter in life?
What are the most important lessons life has taught you?
What advice would you give to someone younger than you?
What is the best way to overcome difficulties?
Looking back on your life, is there anything you would do differently?
You don’t have to answer all the questions if you don’t want to. Answer as many or as few questions as you like.
You can also remain anonymous if you prefer, no name or email address has to be included.
Option 2: Online Conversation
We can have a relaxed, informal interview online, via Zoom.
Interviews are conducted in a respectful and flexible way. With your permission, the conversation may be recorded, and parts of it may later be used in video, audio, or written form (depending on what you agree to).
You can choose how your information is used. Options are available to remain anonymous, or approve only certain formats (such as audio, video, or written use).
Why Participate?
Your Story Could Change Someone’s Life
By sharing your story or advice, you help support others navigating similar situations, pass knowledge across generations, and make life's unwritten lessons more visible.
You’re in Control
Participant comfort and privacy are a top priority.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and you choose how your story is shared.
You can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with.
There’s no pressure, no performance — just be yourself. The only requirements are honesty and openness.
Quotes from Previous Interviews About What Matters in Life
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"Freedom and authenticity. I don't mean freedom to do anything you want; but freedom to be yourself. Freedom to be in an environment that allows you to be yourself."
— Interview participant
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"That I am myself, I take care of myself, and I put myself first. If you're not taking care of yourself, and if you're not respecting yourself, and if you don't love yourself, how would anybody else do this?"
— Interview participant
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"Fulfilment. Get rid of environments or connections or conditions that make you unhappy. Find what makes you fulfilled or content, and spend as much time with that as possible."
— Interview participant
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are two options:
You can participate in writing by filling out a questionnaire. This option guarantees privacy and even anonymity.
You can participate in an online interview via Zoom. No travelling is required, you can simply log on from the comfort of your home.
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Your comfort and privacy are a top priority.
You can choose how your story is shared:
Use your real name, a pseudonym, or remain fully anonymous
Approve only certain formats (e.g., audio but not video)
Skip any questions or topics at any time
Nothing is used without your clear permission.
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At this stage, participation is voluntary and unpaid.
This project is in its early phases and it’s focused on building a meaningful library of stories and insights. If this changes in the future (for example, for larger productions or collaborations), it will always be clearly communicated in advance.
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With your permission, your interview may be used in:
Social media content
Videos or short clips
Audio content (such as podcasts)
Written stories or educational material
Future projects such as books, films, or learning resources
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Not at all. This is not a test or a performance, and there are no right or wrong answers. Just come as you are and share whatever feels natural.
Get involved
If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re curious, ready to share, or just want to learn more, feel free to reach out.
Your lived experience is valuable, and this is your space to share it.