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Writing Your Life Story Blog

Here's where you find out what's new at Your Life is Your Story.

Jun 03, 2021

Get Outside Daily

It's summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. Yes, technically not until June 20 at 9:31 pm my time. But for all practical purposes here in the Southwestern United States the temperatures are up, the days are longer and we have an abundance of sunshine. Summertime and the month of June, my favorite time of the year.

One of my favorite things to do during summer and the summer school break is get outdoors more. Of course, the weather makes that easier to do, too. I love to walk or ride my bike. And trips to scenic places where can I can take in the spectacular vistas of nature are always a highpoint.

One of the prescriptions for healthy living on many levels that also benefits my perspective on life is to get outside on a regular basis. It can be a hike through a canyon in a national park. Or just a morning walk around the floodplain by my home. I call it G.O.D. which stands for "Get Outside Daily".

Continue reading "Get Outside Daily"

Jun 01, 2021

Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives, May, 2021

An archive of previous My Life Story blog entries from May, 2021 regarding personal history, life story writing and more.

Continue reading "Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives, May, 2021"

May 26, 2021

Rolland Love Life Story Workshops Helps Kids Interview Elders

I have followed what Rolland Love has been doing for many years now. He's a fun and exciting writer in the vein of Mark Twain with novels like The Blue Hole, but he is also an avid proponent of preserving the life stories of others, especially elders like our grandparents.

Who wouldn't want to know more about their grandparents, or for that matter, their parents, through their eyes and reminicences about their life experiences?

Rolland Love's workshops have inspired children to find out about their grandparents and other elders by asking questions that kids want to know the answers to.

Continue reading "Rolland Love Life Story Workshops Helps Kids Interview Elders"

May 17, 2021

In the Blink of an Eye

When you are a child time moves slow. Especially when you are waiting for things you are excited about. Like the holidays or summer vacation. As we age it seems to go faster. I know that's not really happening. Still, it does go faster than you think. Or at least faster than I think.

Was it really over 20 years ago when we were starting a new century? Have I really been alive 65 years? Today at school as part of our Spirit Week we were doing a "1950s Theme Day". That got me thinking about that decade, the one I was born in.

Kenny Chesney has a song, Don't Blink. The story in the song is about how life goes fast and has some pretty poignant lyrics.

Continue reading "In the Blink of an Eye"

May 09, 2021

Hi Mom, I Just Wanted to Say

Today is Mother's Day 2021. I am thinking of Mom and of other women and their great gifts of motherhood. The ultimate gift is giving birth and nurturing the new life. Mom, I do miss you. I wish I could have a chat. What would I say? Of course I would say that I love you very much. Also, I would tell you that I have flashes of memories, seeing you in the kitchen, sitting across from me at the chapel of the Center for Action and Contemplation, having a heart-to-heart talk at your house in KC, thinking of the times you got mad when you caught me smoking cigarettes or doing something I shouldn't have. You were a fierce lioness when the situation called for it. But mostly you were calm and loving and in your quiet presence I felt safe. Those final days in June of 2006, sitting at your bedside as you slowly passed from the cancer, were transforming.

You pulled us all closer that week. Family and friends gathered, shared memories, tears and laughter, and mostly love.

Continue reading "Hi Mom, I Just Wanted to Say"

May 07, 2021

The Order of Your Stories in a Memoir Matters

Our lives are lived out in moments and experiences. Over time they help to shape our beliefs, values, habits and much more. When we spend time reminiscing and attempt to make sense of our lives we often want to share that. This is done by telling the story of our life and our various experiences. You need to spend time figuring out what your story is and why you want to preserve this story. Once you have done this the next step is to determine how you will do it.

Part of the how is taking the many experiences you write about and putting them into some kind of order.

Continue reading "The Order of Your Stories in a Memoir Matters"

May 07, 2021

Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives, April, 2021

An archive of previous My Life Story blog entries from April, 2021 regarding personal history, life story writing and more.

Continue reading "Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives, April, 2021"

Apr 27, 2021

Describing Friends

How would you describe a best friend?

Best friends are true friends. They will stick with you through thick and thin. Best friends will also call you on your stuff. We all need that, even when it hurts a bit. True friends won't give up on you, support you and will be there when you need them. But best friends are also people who can be honest enough with us to let us know if we are doing wrong.

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Apr 21, 2021

Big Exhale

A big exhale. That's how I've heard it described and that's how I personally feel. America has been holding our collective breath in anticipation of the jury's verdict in the Derek Chauvin case. When it was announced yesterday that the former Minnesota police officer was found guilty on all three counts you could almost actually hear people exhale.

"I can't breathe" were some of George Floyd's final words on May 25, 2020.

Police officers have been on trial before in cases involving too much force, often leading to death, and all too frequently African-Americans the victims. And unfortunately the track record of convictions for police officers in such cases extremely rare.

There is no doubt that the job of police person is difficult. But there is also a great responsibility that comes with the position.

Continue reading "Big Exhale"

Apr 16, 2021

Hobbies Help Happiness

Friday is here and most of us enjoy what the weekend brings. Maybe you will spend some time engaging in a hobby. Hobbies help our happiness. They give us purpose, meaning, a creative outlet, and they can even relieve stress.

If you want to start a new hobby or even search for new ideas then check out A Full Guide On How To Start A New Hobby.Some of the takeaways for me from the article included how hobbies can introduce us to new people, widen our knowledge and skills, and improve our confidence and self-esteem.

Continue reading "Hobbies Help Happiness"