The Times of My Life

Today, I'm providing some more writing "helps" when the thoughts for your writings become muttled, or worse yet, absent.

• List some of the most prominent national events that happened during your lifetime.
• List some prominent local events that you experienced.
• Note events of a particular era that you are centering your writing.
• Write some important personal events in your life. What was going on nationally and locally at that time?

Some Thoughts to Stimulate Memories

Here are some sentences to complete that might stimulate memories.
My life changed when…..
I remember the time I needed help and.....
I overcame an obstacle when......
I felt successful when...
Things began to change for me when....
I saw the world differently after......
I found great peace from.....
I regret the time that.......

Look at Objects to Stimulate Ideas

A jacket I own always evokes memories of church. The first time I wore it I was helping at church. A friend said, “That’s a nice jacket. Is it new?” I said, “Thanks. Yes, it’s new.” She, then, reached over and grabbed under my arm.

I was astonished and confused that she was grabbing my armpit. Actually, she was grabbing for the price tag that I forgot to remove. Looking at objects will sometimes stimulate memories and stories.

Make Today a Someday

How often have you heard, "Someday I am going to write down the stories Mom told me." "Someday, I'll write those war stories Dad told me." Problem is that if "someday" comes, it is often too late to ask people details about the stories. Often, "someday" never does come along and the stories are lost for future generations. To make "someday" happen, decide what time you have to give to writing memoirs on a weekly basis. Set aside that time weekly and be consistent in using it to write. It doesn't matter how small a time frame it is. The point is to get something written regularly. If you break writing the memoir down into small chunks of time, it will not be such a daunting task. Writing in chunks also has another benefit. Writing in chunks and putting it away allows you to go back and read several of them at a later time. It is likely that reading what you wrote with time lapsing, you will see a focus for future writings.

From the Heart

Writing your memoir is writing a story of your heart.