"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: Fooling Around

I am not exactly sure why I am like that. Maybe I have to build a good head of steam before I get a project done. It could be I’m just not very disciplined. But, as Nike says, “Just do it”, or you will find it never gets done. So as you read this newsletter which is supposed to be the March, 2012 edition, take into account that I got around to it when I did – which just happens to be today, April 1st – and it’s not an April’s Fools joke.

Thank you to all the new subscribers. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. You are receiving this e-zine because you signed up for it or someone who is subscribed passed it along to you. 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: Grief and Joy

Sometimes I’m happy. Sometimes I am sad. You know what I mean. We all go through it – up and downs, feeling good and then, not so much.

Grief and joy.

Can they co-exist? C.S. Lewis seemed to think so. And he’s not alone. A lot of great writers, thinkers, lovers and spiritually developed people have discovered this paradoxical truth.

Yet we want to keep them separated; each to its own corner.

Life’s not like that. I’ve found that working on memories, writing down passages of personal history and contemplating my journey reminds me of the incredible tension and combination of seemingly polar opposites.

Today I’ve got some melancholy going. It is not depression. I am pretty sure it is grief. People tell me that it is only natural. It hasn’t even been three months since my dad passed away. I wrote about it, but I am still processing it. I’m not beating myself up about it, either. I am just trying to feel it and hold it and know it for what it is.

Joy comes to us in many different ways. Real joy, the kind that creates a warm glowing and spreading fire of love from inside our hearts and souls, is a spiritual gift. Welcome it and embrace it.

Losing loved ones can bring on both grief and joy. Sad when they die. Joy for our experiences together. It’s good. I want it. Grief and Joy.

Read other articles on life-story writing here.

Featured Resource

Getting your story captured and preserved can be a long and often expensive process. One of the things I am always on the lookout for are service providers that can meet your needs with quality and affordability.

Legacy Keepers is a company that operates a nationwide network of highly skilled personal historians, graphic designers, filmmakers, and audio text and video editors. Their services result in quality video, audio and written products. You should be able to get the life story final product that is best for you, whether that’s a great book of memories and pictures, a video-biography or a listening to the voice of the person reminiscing. I’ve checked them out and it’s a good resource to refer you to. Click the banner to find out more and get your FREE interview guide.

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