Saylorsburg, PA USA I don't know. There are different points, I guess. Like the second time I had mono--that changed the course of my life because I had to quit work and I never really got my stamina back. Or when I fell in love with my husband--I stopped chasing after guys and going out to party with my friends when that happened. It was also a really big deal when I switched school districts, because the bigger district was way different. And camp had a huge effect on me; it made me more mellow and more accepting, and I met a lot of my friends there. I guess life is full of twists and turns. Karen, 22
Ames, IA USA When I ditched my fiance of 4 years and within 4 1/2 months married the man who is now my husband. Laura, 37
Lowell, MA USA The birth of my son... Nicci, 27
Las Vegas, NV USA When I was still with my ex he went to prison, after that happened I changed a lot of things in my life. That whole thing changed me. Christina
MI USA The "turning point" in my life was when I was "entry-level seperated" from the air force. Long story short, I had some issues that needed to be dealt with and the Air Force was definitely not the place to do it. I was in a major funk for quite some time, but it put my life in perspective for me. I worked through some things, turned my life around, and am now happily married and have two great step-children. Doug2, 29
Overland Park, KS USA There's been a few; getting kicked out of home the first time, leaving the cult, doing comedy and breaking my wrist seem to be the major ones. Alias Irrelevante I think I've had several. It's not like I turn a complete 180, but every time has nudged me in a new direction to head into. Bad bosses, bad stepfather, good people I've met. They've all helped turn me into the person I am. I have learned lots from their influences on how to be or how not to be and what I know I deserve. Triana, 29
Austin, TX USA Well, three occasions come to mind: 1- 11th grade in high school. This was the lowest point in my life. I had two consecutive semesters in which I had 5 Fs and 2Ds. The teachers had a meeting in which they were planning to send me to a "special" school. Using my brilliant wit (sic) and articulate arguments (double sic) I bought some time and, in 12th grade, made the honor roll twice. 2- June of last year (2001). My brother was home (for something, I do not remember), and we were idly talking when...off hand, he said I should move to Alaska, which is the plan...it is a good thing he did not tell me to jump off a bridge. 3- When I went to Alaska for vacation (primarily). There was nothing there to convince me not to move there. I loved the snow, wildlife, and everything else. I did hiking, driving along a scenic highway (Seward Highway), and ate better than I have ever eaten in my life (crabs, shrimp, salmon, etc...) It totally reeked of awesomeness...dude. Frodo
age unknown, parts unknown Coming out as a queer man at age 15. Eric, 20
Beverly Hills, CA USA When I realized I didn't need a man in my life to be happy Melodi, 19
Gahanna, OH USA Senior year of high school, when i ruined it all. Talia, 24
Wilton, CT USA Graduating from college and being the first in my family to do so. Ry, 23
NYC I'm not sure I've reached it yet. Reba, 50+
Silver Spring, MD USA deciding to become a mother at the age of 19. Three years and an absolutely beautiful child later I still do not regret that decision for a minute. Maggie, 22
Sandwich, IL USA eating mushrooms at a cabin in the woods with some friends. Whoa. A-Dog, 19
McMinnville, OR USA I had two that stand out. Seemed like the split second my daughter was born, my life was not as I had ever known it to be before. The other was the day my mother passed away; there went the one person in this world who loved me unconditionally, and knew me like no other. That was a huge wake-up call for me. Fisch, 46
Preston, CT USA There have been a number of them. One was when I left New York City, after a long difficult period, and got a fresh perspective on life by moving to London. Jane, 62
West Linn, OR USA Going to college and moving to New York City were both big turning points. Felicia, 36
Lowell, MA USA Well, considering I'm still pretty young, I know I haven't gotten to the BIG turning point yet, but so far I would have to say it was switching colleges and really moving forward with my life. Before that happened I was just drifting around and that move made me focus and put me on the path to where I am today! Tracy, 24
Ocean City, NJ USA The turning point in my life was when I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was going down the wrong path rapidly and this set me on the right path. I also went from being a sad, unhappy person to one who was content with life. I would advise anyone to look into it. Reba, 50+
Silver Spring, MD USA The day I decided to pack my things and move south to be with MY SOULMATE! Kevin, 33
Sugar Hill, GA USA I'm still waiting for the turning point in my life. Laney
TX USA The turning point in my life was the day i met my husband. Rebecca2, 19
Washington, DC USA It's very possible I haven't yet had mine, since I'm only 18 years old, but so far, it would have to be either the depression I went through my sophomore year or the trip to the Dominican Republic I took the summer after that. Actually, it was probably the trip, because it made me realize how selfish I really was and put a lot of things into perspective for me. Angela, 18
Bella Vista, AR USA