"Your past is your story up to now. The future is the story yet to come. The present is where you live with that experience, your hopes and your dreams."

Opening Remarks: Down Under

Australia and New Zealand are on my mind as my daughter just returned from a visit there. She went with a group of young people from our city as part of World Youth Day, the conference of Catholic youth. This event happens every 3-4 years and it in a different part of the world each time. This was her first conference and as a young woman about to turn twenty it was an amazing time for her. I’m so happy she had the opportunity to do this, especially in her youth.

Traveling can certainly open our views of the world and life around us. It is good to take vacations and to get away, even if it is close to your home. The rising costs of fuel, food and traveling are making it more difficult, but it still is important to have these life experiences, to learn from them, and to document them.

Thank you to all who continue to read this monthly newsletter and for those of you who have recently subscribed.

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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: Go With the Flow

It seems we spend so much time in life resisting and opposing. It’s not that we are always in a “fighting” mood. But, think about it .Rarely does a day go by where things don’t go different from the way you planned, want or expect.

Of course, we do need to stand up for what is right. Surprisingly we can do this without engaging in a lot of oppositional energy.

We are so much better off when we go with the flow. This doesn’t mean being a doormat and letting others walk all over us. It means accepting that life unfolds, one moment at a time, and that each of one of us is part of a great unfolding. Live and let live and go with the flow are, I think, closely connected.

What does all this have to do with anybody’s life story? Everything! How we live our lives, examining our motives, considering our impact on others and the need to be part of life…about life…instead of life being “about us” is a wonderful perspective.

I find it often difficult to gain this perspective. I guess I’m guilty of wanting my own way. I admit I can be a bit of a control freak. But the peace that comes to me when I choose to go with the great flow of life is priceless. Usually I need to get away from the “daily grind” to get this perspective. What is really important is to keep the perspective when I return to the routine of daily living.

Don’t let work, relationships, finances or even really big issues like suffering, illness or even death keep you from living each day in the moment. Every day is a gift.

Go. Go. Go with the flow.

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

Resources You Can Use

Do you have a family history, personal history, or life story business that offers products and services? It is a growing field and more and more people are looking for good products and services to help them. Often the potential client is unsure just what kind of help they need or is available.

The Your Life is Your Story business I operate requires me to use ongoing networking and marketing techniques. I focus most of my efforts around this website and newsletter. My website generates a lot of daily traffic, plus I research various ways to preserve family history. As a member of the Association of Personal Historians I learn from, network with, and contribute to the community of personal historians. I can help your business or product reach potential customers. Contact me to discuss how.

Your Legacy Smile

Have you ever asked yourself: What will my Legacy be...? A colleague and writer & producer, Robb Lucy, is writing a book on Legacy. I like the idea so I'm forwarding this note to you. Consider just what “legacy” means. It is generally defined as “what you leave behind”. Many would define it as money left to their kids or a charity. Robb Lucy defines “Legacy” as something one person creates that benefits others....now or much later. In fact, a Legacy could be many, things: developing a charity; planting flowering bushes up a country road; a 'tax-efficient' donation to a cause you believe in; a family history book; your ethical will telling of your values, hopes and dreams; a hospital wing built in your name; new equipment in a playground; a chance remark that changed a person’s life. Anything can be a Legacy - big or small. The tone of Robb's book will be: “Legacies aren’t for dead people!” Yes, we're all going to die.... and we don't know when. Robb's book will contain ideas and 'how to's' to create and really enjoy your Legacy now, when you're alive. And that will put a smile on your face when you “go” because you’re leaving something that will benefit others. The book will also be full of stories.... and these will be the catalyst to get the reader's imagination fired up. Robb's wants to hear your story:

1. Have you received a Legacy? And if the person who created it is still alive, are they enjoying it too knowing it will still be there when they’re gone? 2. Are you creating a Legacy? Is it one you & others can enjoy now? When you “go”, will it be a good memory knowing this Legacy will last after you?

Your Legacy story may ignite the imagination of others who haven’t yet thought of what their Legacy will be - those who haven’t thought about the mark they’d like to leave. If you'd like your short story included in the book, please send it to Robb at lucy@eyelearner.com. He will get right back to you. Take a look at his blog: legacysmile.blogspot.com for a few ideas.

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