November 21, 2006
Issue-035 – Gratitude Time

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

In this Issue:

Opening remarks: Memory Miles
Featured Article: Gratitude Time
Resources You Can Use: iMemoryBooks
Closing Info

Opening Remarks: Memory Miles

Some of you also know that I work in radio and music is a major part of my life. Recently I became the Promotions Director for the country music radio station at the broadcasting group I work for. Most of my career has been with rock n’ roll stations, so this is a bit of a switch, but I enjoy country music. One of the new songs that speaks to me about both running and personal history is “Every Mile a Memory” by Dierks Bentley. The chorus includes the lyrics: Oh, every mile, a memory; every song, another scene, from some old movie going back in time you and me. Every day, a page turned down; every night, a lonesome sound, Like a freight train rollin' through my dreams: every mile, a memory.”

Good stuff.

As the year winds down, and with this issue timely for the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to thank all of you who read this ezine and visit my web site. I hope that you are finding helpful information and motivation. You can always email me with questions and comments. I welcome the feedback.

You are receiving this e-zine 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 consider subscribing 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: Gratitude Time

It’s funny where we sometimes get messages that change our perspective. I was watching the movie “Cars” with my wife and children the other day. It’s another of the great animated movies from Pixar (now merged with Disney Studios), the same people that have brought us “Toy Story”, “Monsters, Inc.” and “It’s A Bug’s Life”.

This film’s story is about an ambitious race car headed to the big race in California who gets nailed for speeding and tearing up the highway on old Route 66 in a little desert town (looks like Arizona or New Mexico to me). He is sentenced to fixing the road before he can move on. During his time there he gets acquainted with the endearing characters of the town, all various makes and models of automobiles. It’s a great allegory and the biggest message I got from it was also a major lesson for the main character. Sometimes you just have to slow down.

This time of year can be very hectic. We have the holidays, all the end of the year activities, family gatherings, and business goals to meet. It can be easy to lose sight of the really important things. As the movie “Cars” also pointed out, in the old days before the Interstate system we used to travel for the experience, rather than “to” a destination. Yes, it is the “stop and smell the roses” message, and around this time of year it is important to do just that.

Maybe I’m writing about this as much for me as for anyone. I’ve had a really jam-packed schedule of late and I’ve noticed that it is affecting me in some not-so-nice ways. I’m not patient or particularly considerate. I’m stressed out. I need to plug into the “attitude of gratitude”.

Fortunately, I have discovered important lessons in recent years that can get me back on track. Gratitude is certainly one of the most important virtues around. When I am grateful for what I have then I am open to experience life moment by moment without expectations that are unrealistic and self-centered. Real gratitude means letting life happen. It doesn’t mean blowing off responsibility. But, it does tell me to show up for life, slow down and be open to surprises.

Do take time to be present to those around you this Thanksgiving. Give thanks for every breath, every bite and every beautiful moment.

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

Resources You Can Use

The iMemoryBook is a great way to write your memoir, tribute books, personal histories – the possibilities are endless. It’s very affordable and easy to build your story online and then have it printed with a beautiful hard or soft cover and with the artwork you want.

I’ve personally used the iMemoryBook process to write a tribute book to my daughter. I know how it works and I can help you with yours, if you so desire. This is really a wonderful way to do your family or personal history project. You can write an autobiography, a biography of someone else, a company history, create a wedding or anniversary reminiscence, record your spiritual journey or write a tribute to a loved one who has died.

There are a couple of ways to do this. You can buy the main package for less than $200 and your story will be online forever as well as getting one hardcover book. Plus, you can affordably order additional books and because your story stays online (password protected so you can share it only with those you choose to) you can update it in the future. Or you can use the Heirloom package for just $49.95 that allows you to follow the same process. Plus, you get a $37 coupon towards the cost of your project that gives you a 25 page full-color or 150 page black and white hardbound book. For more information and to get started visit here

Closing Information

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