From Tom Gilbert – Editor and Writer, www.your-life-your-story.com

In this Issue:

Opening remarks: New Beginnings
Featured Article: Spiritual Memoirs
Resources You Can Use: Your Professional Bio, Family Research and the Five Year Journal

Opening Remarks: New Beginnings

We are in to a new year but everyday can be new if you approach it that way. I hope that all of you had a holiday season full of joy, cheer, family, friends and fond memories. I was blessed to have family visit in December and a celebration with them for my 50th birthday. I remember in my twenties thinking fifty is getting up there in years. Maybe so, but now that I am at this milestone I have a feeling that many interesting and valuable experiences are ahead. In fact, I’ve already committed to running a marathon in June, something I’ve never done. I’m doing it with Team in Training to help raise funds for research and patient care for people with Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers. So, it’s not only a big personal challenger but also for a very good cause.

I thank all of you who are reading this newsletter and visiting my site about life story writing. I hope that you are finding helpful information and motivation. You can always get informatin by sending me an email with questions and comments. I welcome the feedback.

You are receiving this e-zine it because you signed up for it or someone who is subscribed passed it along to you. It is a special thing to share with you life story writing and personal history tips, resources and thoughts. If you like what you read here, you can pass it along to a friend. If a friend DID forward this to you and if you like what you read, please subscribe by visiting our signup page . Also, let me know what you’d like to see more of in this newsletter – simply reply to this email e-zine.

While the main focus of this newsletter is to share thoughts, ideas, and insights on life story writing you should know that I offer various services and also mention some products and services that can be helpful. You are under no obligation to purchase anything, but if any of these products or services are helpful and you decide to utilize them then I am most grateful.

Thanks for reading. – Tom

Featured Article: Spiritual Memoirs

Memoir writing has certainly grown in popularity. Many best selling books are memoirs. A memoir can vary from a biography or autobiography because it is more a recollection of events and with comments about one’s life experiences and lessons along the way.

A great number of celebrities are writing memoirs, but you don’t have to be famous to do it. And you certainly don’t have to lie about your past to make it interesting (i.e. the allegations about James Frey and his best-selling memoir, A Million Little Pieces). There is value in anyone telling their story, and, of course, everyone has a story.

If you are considering a memoir, one specific area you might consider is your spiritual journey. Spirituality is much more than religion. I think religion can be a wonderful part of your spiritual journey, but it is not necessary to have specific religious beliefs to explore your spirituality. Essentially anything that gets you to look at something bigger than you and that has you seeking the meaning, purpose and higher calling of life is part of your spiritual journey.

A spiritual memoir is not a new idea, although you may not have considered writing that part of your story. Recovery groups and 12 Step Programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, have known this for years and gain a lot of growth from sharing their experience, strength and hope.

When you begin a spiritual memoir you should consider the values and beliefs you hold. It is also quite common that you will include parts of your past that have been painful. Often losses and pain in life are the touchstone for spiritual growth. You may need to be discreet about some things and that’s why it’s a good idea to have a professional personal historian who is detached from your story provide you some feedback on what you may or may not want to include. Nevertheless, the final decision rests with you – it is your story.

This area of life story writing resonates a great deal with me. Do to circumstances in my life and how I’ve grown in my faith beliefs has taught me a great deal about what I think life is all about. For one thing, I’ve discovered that life is not all about me – I am about life! So are you.

I’m planning this year to do more writing that focuses on the spiritual journey and what I would call "spiritual memoirs". I’d be happy to discuss with you the opportunity to write your spiritual memoir. Even if you write it yourself I can be helpful in reviewing, editing and providing some insight. You can email me for more information here. Make sure you mention that you are interested in a spiritual memoir.

You can read other articles on life-story writing here.

Resources You Can Use

Work history, personal interests, accomplishments and goals are all important when presenting a resume. But when you want to get your foot in the door you must stand out from the crowd. Getting noticed is hard, but now you can increase your chances. A new service of Your Life is Your Story is the one page Professional Bio. Hire me to write a short bio that introduces you to a prospective employer, investor or anyone you need to make a quick connection with. You provide some initial information, then I do a short interview (phone or email). In a matter of a few days I'll craft a one-page biography that sets you apart from the pack.

Details here.

Family Newsletter

The beginning of a year is a good time to look back over the past year. Share the experiences of the past year with your closest friends and family members in a letter of the year’s highlights and significant events.

A family newsletter is a great way to do this. I can do the writing for you and provide you with something your family will treasure. It’s a small investment on your part and it helps keep your family and friends connected. Find out more here.

The Five Year Journal

Another great journal I recommend is Doreene Clement’s 5 Year Journal Journaling for insight, personal growth and just for fun is something I highly encourage. The 5 Year Journal is formatted so that you can easily record your thoughts, insights and observations over a multi-year time span. A limited time special is currently running to buy two copies at regular price and get another copy copies free! See more here

That’s it for this month’s issue. Thanks for reading. Be sure to visit our blog regularly, and here’s to telling your story. Do give it some serious consideration because I just know you’ve got a great story to tell! Be sure to see the Get Started section.

Any comments, ideas or feedback is greatly appreciated. Just reply to this ‘zine and tell me what you think!

Until next time, – keep your story alive!

Tom Gilbert