Change is all around us. It’s in the steps taken walking to work, in the changing color of the leaves, in the hand of a clock as it tick, tick, ticks away. Change governs our world and that’s hard to accept. At times, the good lasts and the difficult quickly ends; more often, the opposite is true.

The return of “The Best Six-Word Memoirs of the Week” reflects that change. They embrace the good that change brings while powering through the bad, inspiring others to do the same. Whether it’s a personal change (“I died so I could live.”), one that is physical (“Eating slower. Eating less. Saving money.”), or one of the mind (“Found acceptance at Haight and Ashbury.”), these memoirs express the power of change in six simple words.

Most Philosophical: “Escaping Plato’s Cave. Leaving shadows behind.” –JohnBigJohn

Toughest Narrative Arc: “I died so I could live.” –caseyhalterman 

Most Inspiring: “After illness, the whole world sparkles.” –wonderactivist

Most Cathartic: “I finally donated her clothes today.” –RightReverendRex 

Most Growth: “Found acceptance at Haight and Ashbury.” –marymc

Most Determined: “Eating slower. Eating less. Saving money.” –jl333

Click on each of the authors’ names above to read more of their words.

Plus! Enter the Six-Word Backstory Challenge #2: Love & Heartbreak on Medium.com and you could win a set of three SMITH Mag books if your story is selected as the winner.  Contest ends February 27.