"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: Up Memory Lane

But part of your story is to also consider where you want to go. Nobody can predict the future, but you can use your imagination to envision your dreams and goals. You can travel “up” memory lane, in a sense time traveling to the future in your mind. I’ve been doing that lately. Some important events are fast approaching in my family. One I am anticipating with great joy is my daughter’s wedding. She is the older of our two children and we are very proud of her. And we also love our future son-in-law. He’s a fine young man. I’m thinking of them and their special day. I’m traveling up memory lane as I picture in my mind walking my daughter down the aisle.

Next month has some important dates for you to consider regarding personal history. Every May is Personal History Month, as recognized by the Association of Personal Historians. Mother’s Day is May 10. Canada has Victoria Day on May 18th. And a special day of remembrance is May 25th, Memorial Day.

While you are marking your calendar, make a note that May 16 is International Storytelling Day. The theme this year is about human rights and immigration.

You have a story and writing your autobiography – or getting someone to do it for you – is an important goal. As usual our e-zine has some inspiration and suggestions.

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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: The Power of Lists

Just about everyone makes lists. There’s the daily “to do” list, shopping lists, holiday card lists, email lists and so forth. Even that jolly old elf, Santa Claus, makes a list – and checks it twice!

If you participate in online social networking sites you may be familiar with the sharing of favorites. I frequently see my friends on Facebook post their top five movies, albums, books, TV shows and so on.

Lists can be great building blocks for crafting your life story. I often get asked how to start writing a life story and I always recommend the creation of a Memory List. Write down the significant events and memories you want included. Use short sentences or phrases. Write as many of these as you can, but from your list you will focus on the 8-10 most important ones to form the basis of your personal history project.

Keep your memory list in a three-ring binder and add to it. You will be amazed how helpful this will be as your list sparks additional memories and deeper reminiscing.

You can make numerous lists that will help you with your personal history project. List all your relatives. Write down the places you’ve lived or traveled to. Who are the bands and music artists you enjoy? List all the cars you’ve owned. You get the idea.

If you need help, try using Michael Boyter’s MemoryGrabber. His in depth E-book contains a whole section on lists.

I think you will discover that making lists is easy and an enjoyable way to remember valuable information. And making the list gets that information written down! Lists are powerful tools to help you with your life story.

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

Resources You Can Use

Check out these family and personal history/life story services and I look forward to working with you to capture your life story.

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