"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: Breaking Down 2016

Featured Article: Don’t Fear the Reaper

This has been quite the year for death. According to to CNN there have been more celebrity deaths in 2016 than just about any other year. That hasn’t gone unnoticed by me. It seems like every month I’ve noted in my journaling and writing about the death of yet another person. Some of them have been famous, others were obscure. Some touched my life in some way; others were anonymous, but their passing was noted.

Death is inevitable and we never know when it might come. A rock song, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult, keeps coming to mind. “All our times have come / Here but now they’re gone.”

But cowering in fear of our impending demise is no way to live and for most of us the day-to-day doesn’t involve life threatening situations.

Eventually our day will come. How do you prepare for that? In my opinion it is by living a full and purposeful life. Each day brings fresh opportunities to appreciate the gift of living, to share love and time and talents, and to recognize that opportunities to make connections are everywhere.

Earlier this year, prompted by the ongoing news of people dying and the recognition of my aging and own mortality, I began to reflect in my journal writing about life and death. In each entry I would ponder my current situation and ask myself how I was doing in the “end of life” department. In other words, If I died today was I ready? Maybe that sounds morbid, but it wasn’t my thinking (and still isn’t). Rather, it was to make sure I appreciated the time I have been given. And to remember that to live in the now is the key to it all. The only time we really have is right now.

As a writer and personal historian it is my message to encourage the recording of our lives. Each person’s story of their life has its unique value. Regardless of circumstances and accomplishments, we all have a story to tell because each of us is distinctive. Furthermore, we are all part of a greater community. The world at large may never recognize your life journey, but some people will. I think we have a certain responsibility to pass on our experience, strength and hope. Most of us never know how much we influence others, especially our friends and family. Don’t be afraid to “cast your bread upon the water” and don’t fear the end of life. Instead, have a healthy recognition that you only have a limited lifespan. Don’t wait to pay it forward with some encouragement and kindness.

Perhaps you are already on board with the idea of preserving your life story. There are many ways to go about it and there is no wrong way. Find time to create a list of significant moments or turning points in your life. With this memory list you can begin to organize your thoughts. You can be the writer or you might choose someone for that task. Talking to someone, even recording your stories, taking pictures, using video, writing in a journal, writing letters and reading the stories of others can all be beneficial in moving the process forward.

You can read other life story articles here.

Featured Resource: Personalized Journey Markers

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