"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: Pick Up a Good Book

There are many life story books to help you better write the story of your life. And there are books that “teach” by sharing the stories of others. A fine example is the new anthology from the Association of Personal Historians, My Words Are Gonna Linger: The Art of Personal History. It is available for purchase from the APH web site and I recommend it.

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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: Love Is a Long Road

I borrowed the title of a Tom Petty song for this month’s featured article. Love is indeed a long road. A lasting love relationship has its ups and downs, but that’s normal. Human beings want to love and be loved. But that requires making sacrifices. The love of a lifetime is much more than those early days of infatuation. When you are in it for the long haul there will be times when you will argue and disagree. A great marriage is built on a strong foundation and is deeper than Valentine’s cards and candy.

Marketers these days like to refer to the “long tail” – the results of a long term relationship built on mutual trust and giving. A lasting love relationship is also built on trust and giving. When you truly love your partner you will sacrifice your self interests for the good of your best friend.

Have you thought about writing the story of your lifelong love? It would be a great tribute to your partner. Husbands and wives have much to share about their lives together and this would be a memorable Valentine’s gift to always be treasured.

A simple way would be for you to write about your partner and perhaps include any love letters you may have saved. Also, a “couples’ book” could be produced that shares about the relationship from both. It’s a little more challenging to conduct interviews with a couple, but it can be done. Or each can be interviewed individually. The Priceless Legacy LifeStory Capture Service now includes an option to do a Couples Story.

As you travel the long road of love in your life -- complete with turns and potholes and amazing vistas – enjoy the journey. And give some serious thought to preserving that journey in a book.

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

Resources You Can Use

You can now view several excellent Life Story Resources in one place on the Your Life Is Your Story website. Discover the many ways to tell your story – book form, online, through the use of a journal, helpful tips and much more. See Life Story Resources

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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