The "Your Life is Your Story" Blog Archives

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October, 2005

October 27, 2005

Here's another good quote relevant to your personal history story:

"If you've had wonderful family relationships, you will be able to call yourself a true success in life no matter what else you've achieved."

- Vic Conant

October 25, 2005

Despite what we often think, you don't have to a prestigious and famous person to help bring about change in the world. One of the catalysts of the civil rights movement in the South during the 60's was a quiet and humble woman. But one day she'd had enough of being treated as a second class citizen. And she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man.

Rosa Parks just believed in doing what was right, even if it meant trouble, hardship and persecution. Her act of defiance against segregation turned out to be a defining moment. Martin Luther King, Jr. rallied around her and so did many others. She is an important part of American history.

"I had no idea when I refused to give up my seat on that Montgomery bus that my small action would help put an end to the segregation laws of the South," she said in her autobiography. "I only knew that I was tired of being pushed around."

This brave but modest woman with the beaming smile passed away yesterday at the age of 92. I encourage you to read about her. It shows what one person can do if they are willing to stand up for what is right. You can start with this article in the Miami Herald.

October 24, 2005

Doreen Clement is the creator of the 5 Year Journal. You can start a journal any day of the year, but she has her's laid out on a five year timeline. The benefit is when you review over time. I find that many of the things I journal about give me clarity and perspective. Oh, perspective is so important!

Sometimes the thngs I believe are such a "big deal" at the time really aren't. When I go back and read what I wrote a year before it's interesting to see that. Plus, I can also see the progress. This is valuable stuff.

Doreen wrote in her most recent email newsletter about keeping a "relationship journal". This can be a great way to enhance and support your partner and grow your relationship. Her 5 Year Journal already has a format that is easy to use for this. You and your partner keep separate journals, but you decide that you will be sharing parts of it with each other. And you can certainly decide what to keep private and what to share. But, the perspective gained...there's that word again...will be beneficial to each of you.

Right now you can order two copies of the 5 Year Journal at regular price - just $59.90, or $29.95 a piece - and get two additional copies free! Why not use those as gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Find out more here.

October 20, 2005

The number of self-published life stories, memoirs, autobiographies and the like continue to grow at leaps and bounds. This is not just an American phenomena. A recently published article by the Daily Yomiuri in Japan states that aproximately 30,000 are being self-published annually in Japan.

This article also discusses the storage of these books. One man, Susumu Ito, has dedicated his time as head librarian to a private library in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. He used to work for a publishing company and has a keen interest in seeing life stories preserved as history and for others to view. The library currently houses more than 20,000 works in a 100-square-meter facility on the third floor of a multi purpose building. Reservations for viewing the books can be made on the Internet.

You can view the article here.

October 17, 2005

Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. But the final closure before the death experience is something I think just about everyone wants. It is an emotional time and if there is illness it can restrict what both the dying and living want to say.

What about spending the time to record your thoughts and messages of love beforehand? It's being done more and more. You can read this recently published article from the New York Times (free registration required) to get a better idea.

October 11, 2005

So my beloved Red Sox got swept by the "other" Sox - the Chicago White Sox. That team is playing like they are on a mission to get to the World Series (although they just lost the first game of the American League Championship Series to the Los Angeles Angels). I still have the memories of a championship win from last year. And at least the Yankees aren't going this year (sorry New York fans).

Baseball is a love of mine and my life story is certainly entwined with it. I've been to lots of games, both major and minor league. I remember when I was fifteen and my best friend, Paul, who lived across the street from me in Little Rock, Arkansas, would accompany me to the Arkansas Travelers games. That team is the AA affiliate for the St. Louis Cardinals. I think we bought season tickets for $15 that year.

When I was a young lad I dreamed of playing professional baseball. We'd play for hours in empty lots, the street or any park we could use. It didn't take me long, though, to realize I wasn't blessed with the talent to make it. But, it's good to have dreams.

My daughter wants to be a singer. She's seventeen and participates in drama and choral. She had a performance tonight at her high school and it was the first in a while that I couldn't personally attend. Fortunately my 11-year old son, Eric, videotaped it and I enjoyed watching it. We're lucky we live in an age of such technology. They closed the performance with their singing of a traditional Irish blessing. It was quite beautiful.

It's good to encourage the dreams of your children and family members. Unfortunately we too often are "dream killers". Any thing is possible with a strong belief and encouragement.

October 5, 2005

Well, my Boston Red Sox managed to get into the playoffs on the last day of the season, clinching the wild card spot. But they are off to a rocky start against the Chicago White Sox. They've lost the first two games and are facing elimination. Hey, remember, this is the team that was on the brink of losing to the Yankees last year and came back to win four in a row to get to the World Series! Then they won four straight over the St. Louis Cardinals. So if any team can come back it has to be the Bosox.

Yes, I'm trying to convince myself.

October in Albuquerque means the International Balloon Fiesta. It's the biggest hot air balloon event in the world. You can see all about it at the official website, www.balloonfiesta.com.

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