MomProfiles MomBlogs Opinion Center Your Kids Your Life Search Articles

Printable Version Email to a Friend

Learn more about Beth
Visit Beth's Website
ClubMom Members: Purchase one of Beth's books at Barnes & Noble and earn 5 Points per dollar:
Memory Journal

Speaker, author, and mother of two, Beth Sanders is an expert in life stories and family communication who has helped thousands of people to create a lasting legacy. She is the founder and president of LifeBio.com, a web site dedicated to helping people share what matters most-life lessons, values, traditions, and memories.

If you're like me, you've got your digital camera, your camcorder, and scrapbook standing by to capture every historic event your family experiences. What you may not have done is recorded your own legacy — your own wisdom — the advice and lessons that you want to be sure to pass along. Here are a few reasons why it's important to record those stories (and reasons why it's time to encourage your parents and grandparents to write their memoirs too).

1. Each day of life is truly a gift. Many people share with me why they aren't going to tell their life stories. "I'm not done living yet," is a common answer. Well, life is unpredictable. It is important to seize the day to write at least a heartfelt letter, or preferably, a more complete life story while you have the chance. This needs to be done whether you are 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90+.

2. You do have something to say and you can say it. Keep it mind that you don't have to write like your old high school English teacher or Shakespeare to say what you want to say. Short, direct sentences are just fine. Remember the details from the events of your life. Recall what you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, or felt during that moment.

3. See the big picture and learn about you! You have accomplished many things during your time on earth. Do you realize what you have accomplished? Life review through a tool like www.lifebio.com helps you recognize the joys and challenges you have experienced at different stages of life. You will gain a new "big picture" perspective on where you've come from and where you are going. You might learn some new things about yourself that could affect the way you live the rest of your life. You will also have the opportunity to share history from your own perspective.

4. Your children and grandchildren need (and want) your life story to preserve their legacies. Children (especially grown children) will gain strength from reading your life experiences and memories. They don't just want your life stories recorded; they need them to be recorded. There is real wisdom that comes from your life experience.  

Also, within your story is the story of the men and women that shaped your life. Within your story are your memories of your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Without your recollections of these important people, the next generations will never know them. That would be a shame.

5. Your life story will share your love. Recording memories is a lasting way to ensure future generations know what was truly important to you. Tell them that you love them-on paper so it will be there for them for years to come. Tell them your hopes for their future. Tell them what you feel is truly important about your family's beliefs. Tell them what must endure. Help them remember-from your own words.

© LifeBio, 2006.

ClubMom Sponsored Links ______________________________________________________________ (Advertise Here)

---

Be the first to rate it!	Rate This Story: Click on a star (a 5-star rating is the best).