War and Resilience

Note that it’s important to avoid political answers, especially if you’re considering publishing your book.

1. FAMILY IMPACT

Can you describe your earliest memory of how the war impacted your family and daily life?

• What changes did the war bring to your family’s routine or lifestyle?

• How did your parents or elders explain or respond to these changes?

• What feelings or thoughts do you recall having as a child during this time?

2. COMMUNITY

How did the war influence your community and the relationships among its members?

• Can you describe the atmosphere or dynamics within your community during the war?

• How did neighbours and community members support each other?

• Were there any community initiatives or efforts that you remember vividly?

3. CHALLENGES

What specific challenges did your family face during the war, and how were they overcome?

• Can you discuss a particular hardship or obstacle and how your family addressed it?

• What resources or strategies were crucial for your family’s survival or resilience?

• How did these experiences shape your family’s bond or values?

4. COURAGE

Can you share a story of resilience or courage from your family or someone you knew during the war?

• What actions or decisions demonstrated resilience or courage?

• How did this story impact or inspire you personally?

• What lessons or messages do you take away from this experience?

5. EDUCATIONAL IMPACT

How did the war affect your education, career, or personal aspirations at the time?

• Were there any interruptions or changes to your education or career plans?

• How did you or your family adapt to these changes?

• In what ways did these experiences influence your future goals or path?

6. MILITARY ACTION

Did you ever witness or participate in any military action or conflict? 

• Can you describe the circumstances that led to your witnessing or participating in military action?

• Were there any particular moments or events that had a lasting impact on you?

• How did this experience influence your views on war and peace?

7. NORMALCY

How did your family maintain hope or a sense of normalcy amid the uncertainties of war?

• What activities, routines, or traditions helped preserve a sense of normalcy?

• How did your family approach discussions about the future or maintain hope?

• Were there any symbols, stories, or beliefs that provided comfort or strength?

8. SEPARATION AND LOSS

Can you talk about the impact of separation or loss experienced during the war?

• Were there any personal losses or separations that affected you or your family?

• How did you cope with these painful experiences or support each other through them?

• What helped you to heal or come to terms with these losses over time?

9. VIEWS

How did the war shape your views on conflict, peace, and reconciliation?

• How have your experiences during the war influenced your perspectives on these themes?

• Are there any particular beliefs or convictions you hold as a result of these experiences?

• How do you approach discussions or thoughts about conflict and peace now?

10. KINDNESS

What stories of friendship, kindness, or humanity stand out to you from the war period?

• Can you share a specific instance where you witnessed or experienced a significant act of kindness or humanity?

• How did these acts impact the individuals involved and the wider community?

• What importance do you think these stories of humanity hold in the context of war?

11. INFORMATION

How did you and your family learn about or stay informed during the war?

• What sources of information were available or relied upon?

• How did your family verify or interpret the information received?

• Were there any memorable moments or revelations that came from news or updates during this time?

12. CULTURE

How did cultural or spiritual practices provide support or solace during the war?

• Were there any cultural rituals, practices, or spiritual beliefs that you or your family leaned on?

• How did these practices contribute to your resilience or coping strategies?

• Can you discuss the role of faith or spirituality in your community during this time?

13. REBUILDING

What was the process of rebuilding or readjusting like for you and your family after the war?

• Can you describe the immediate aftermath of the war and the initial steps of rebuilding?

• What challenges did you face during the recovery or readjustment period?

• How did your family and community approach the task of rebuilding and moving forward?

14. PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Can you discuss the impact of the war on your personal relationships and social interactions?

• How did the war affect your friendships, family dynamics, or community relations?

• Were there any relationships that were particularly strengthened or strained?

• How did you navigate changes or tensions in relationships during and after the war?

15. MEMORIES

How did you or your family preserve memories or stories from the war period?

• Are there any diaries, letters, photographs, or mementos that hold significant memories?

• How have these items or stories been preserved and shared within your family?

• What importance do you place on remembering and passing down these memories?

16. LESSONS

What lessons about strength, survival, or humanity have you learned from your war experiences?

• Can you discuss key insights or lessons that have stayed with you?

• How have these lessons influenced your approach to life’s challenges or your perspective on the world?

• In what ways do you hope these lessons will be understood or embraced by future generations?

17. FORGIVENESS

How do you view the role of forgiveness or reconciliation in the context of your war experiences?

• Can you discuss your thoughts or experiences related to forgiveness and reconciliation?

• How do you believe these concepts contribute to individual healing and societal recovery?

• What challenges or considerations do you think are important in the process of forgiveness and reconciliation?

18. IDENTITY

Can you share how the war influenced your sense of identity or your connection to your homeland?

• How did your experiences during the war shape your understanding of your cultural or national identity?

• How do you maintain or express your connection to your homeland and its history?

• What significance does this sense of identity or connection hold for you and your family?

19. PASSING ON WISDOM

What message or wisdom do you wish to impart to younger generations about experiencing and overcoming adversity?

• Based on your experiences, what guidance or advice would you offer to the youth?

• How do you believe your stories or lessons can benefit younger generations facing their own challenges?

• What values or principles do you hope will be carried forward and upheld by future generations?

20. EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION

How do you approach the task of educating your children or grandchildren about the war and its impact on your family and country?

• What methods or resources do you use to share these experiences and lessons with younger family members?

• How do you ensure that these discussions are age-appropriate and foster understanding and empathy?

• What importance do you believe these conversations hold for preserving history and fostering a sense of heritage?

21. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

How did the experience of war impact your approach to community involvement or social issues?

• Did your experiences during the war motivate you to become involved in community or social initiatives?

• How do you view your role or responsibility in contributing to societal welfare or development?

• Can you discuss any specific involvement or efforts that were influenced by your war experiences?

22. INJUSTICE

Can you recall an instance of injustice that was talked about either during or after the conflict, and how did it impact your perspective?

• What was the nature of the injustice, and where did it occur?

• Can you provide context around the events leading up to this experience?

• How did this affect your beliefs or actions regarding fairness and human dignity?

23. CURRENT EVENTS

How has the memory of the war influenced your perspective on current events or international relations?

• How do you relate your personal experiences of war to contemporary global issues or conflicts?

• What insights or perspectives do you believe are important to remember when considering current events?

• How do you approach discussions or thoughts about peace, conflict, and international relations based on your experiences?

24. ART

Can you discuss the role of art, literature, or personal expression in capturing and understanding the experiences of the war?

• Have you engaged with or created any forms of art or literature that relate to your war experiences?

• How do you believe these expressions contribute to healing, understanding, or preserving memories?

• Are there any specific works of art, literature, or personal projects that you find particularly meaningful or impactful?

25. SHARED EXPERIENCES

How do you maintain connections or relationships with individuals who shared your experiences during the war?

• Are there friendships or associations that were formed or strengthened through shared war experiences?

• How do these relationships support or enrich your life today?

• What significance do you believe these connections hold in the context of your shared history?

• LONG-TERM WELLBEING

What impact did the war have on your long-term health or well-being, and how have you managed these effects?

• Have you experienced any long-term physical or psychological effects as a result of the war?

• What resources, support, or strategies have been helpful in managing these impacts?

• How do you approach self-care and well-being in light of these experiences?

27. LEADERSHIP

Can you share how the experience of war has influenced your views on leadership, governance, or civic responsibility?

• How have your experiences shaped your expectations or involvement in civic or political matters?

• What qualities or actions do you believe are important in leaders or governance, particularly in times of conflict or recovery?

• How do you view your own role or responsibility as a citizen in contributing to societal well-being and development?

28. COMMEMORATION

How do you approach preserving or honouring the memory of those who were lost or affected by the war?

• Are there specific rituals, commemorations or practices you observed to honour those memories?

• How do you ensure that the stories and sacrifices of those affected are remembered and respected?

• What importance do you believe these acts of remembrance hold for individuals, families and communities?

29. STORIES OF HOPE

What stories of hope, renewal, or transformation have emerged from your experiences of the war?

• Can you share a specific story or instance that exemplifies hope or positive change following the war?

• How did these experiences of renewal or transformation impact you, your family, or your community?

• What lessons or messages do you take away from these stories of hope and resilience?

30. IMPACT ON CULTURE

How do you view the impact of war on cultural heritage, traditions, or community identity?

• How were your cultural heritage or community traditions affected by the war?

• What efforts or initiatives have been important in preserving or reviving cultural identity following the war?

• How do you believe the experience of war shapes or influences a community's sense of identity or heritage?

31. DIALOGUE

Can you discuss the importance of dialogue, understanding, and peace-building in the aftermath of war?

• How do you approach conversations or initiatives related to reconciliation and peace-building?

• What do you think are the challenges for people from different sides of military conflict to understand each other?

• How do you view the role of individuals, communities, or nations in contributing to lasting peace and reconciliation?

32. LANDSCAPE AND INFRASTRUCTURE

How has the landscape or infrastructure of your hometown or community changed as a result of the war, and how have these changes been addressed?

• Can you describe the physical changes or impacts that the war had on your local environment?

• What reconstruction, development, or preservation efforts have you witnessed or been involved in?

• How do you believe these changes or efforts have affected the community's connection to its environment or history?

33. STORYTELLING

What role does storytelling or the sharing of personal narratives play in understanding and processing the experiences of war?

• How have you shared your own stories or listened to the stories of others about the war?

• What significance do you believe these personal narratives hold for individuals, families, and communities?

• How do you think storytelling contributes to healing, education, or the preservation of history?

34. MILITARY DECORATION

Was any member of your family decorated for service during the war?

• What particular award was your family member decorated with and for what reason?

• What was the reaction of the rest of the family to this instance of military decoration?

• Do you still have the award or record of it being bestowed?

35. VETERAN SUPPORT

Can you discuss any involvement or support you have provided to fellow veterans or individuals affected by the war?

• Are there specific organisations, groups, or initiatives that you support or are involved in?

• How do these efforts address the needs or honour the experiences of those affected by the war?

• What importance do you place on community or peer support in addressing the long-term impacts of war?

36. GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

How do you view the role of international relations or global perspectives in understanding and addressing the consequences of war?

• How have your experiences influenced your views on international cooperation or understanding?

• What global initiatives or perspectives do you believe are important in addressing the aftermath of war or preventing future conflicts?

• How do you approach discussions or thoughts about the global community's role in peace, recovery, and reconciliation?

37. HUMAN NATURE

What reflections or insights have you gained about human nature or society as a result of your war experiences?

• How have these experiences shaped your understanding of people, relationships, or societal dynamics?

• Are there specific beliefs, values, or convictions that you have formed or reinforced through these reflections?

• How do you apply or share these insights in your daily life or interactions with others?

38. LEGACY

How do you ensure that the resilience, sacrifices, or achievements of your generation during the war are recognised and appreciated by society?

• What actions or initiatives do you believe are important for honouring and remembering the contributions of your generation?

• How do you engage with or support efforts to educate the public or preserve the history of this period?

• What message or legacy do you hope will be associated with your generation's experiences of the war?

39. PHILOSOPHY

Can you discuss the impact of war on personal identity, beliefs, or life philosophy?

• How did your experiences during the war shape or change your sense of self, your beliefs, or your outlook on life?

• Are there specific principles or philosophies that you have adopted or reinforced as a result of these experiences?

• How do you integrate or express these aspects of your identity or beliefs in your life today?

40. RECOVERY

How do you view the healing and recovery process for individuals and communities affected by war, and what factors do you believe contribute to successful healing?

• Can you discuss your own process of healing or observations of recovery in your community?

• What resources, support systems, or practices do you believe are crucial for effective healing and recovery?

• How do you approach the balance between remembering the past and fostering a hopeful and constructive future?