How can I uncover a compelling story from a transformative period for a memoir?

[ScottEG]

I've finally committed to writing a memoir about a specific, transformative period of my life, but I'm paralyzed by the fear that my personal story isn't significant or compelling enough for anyone else to care about reading. I have boxes of old journals and letters to work from, but I'm struggling to move beyond just chronicling events to actually crafting a narrative with theme, voice, and emotional resonance that connects with a reader. For those who have completed a memoir, how did you find the overarching story within your memories, and what process did you use to structure the chapters in a way that felt engaging rather than just chronological? How did you handle writing about real people in your life, especially when portraying difficult relationships or private moments, and did you work with a writing group or editor to gain objective feedback on your drafts?