What's Your Story?

 

My daughter gifted me with StoryWorth for Christmas last year. I had never heard of it. She selects a question every week that is sent to me via email. I answer the question, add photos if I want, and send it back. At the end of the year StoryWorth puts it all in a bound book. It has been a great gift! The questions are thought provoking and have brought up some great memories. Most of the questions and answers would probably never have been shared if not for this process. You don't normally think about sitting down and sharing your memories with your kids or grandkids when you get together. This is a great way to have a recorded history of my memories and experiences. The questions include first job, first car, best day, favorite cartoon, best holiday memory, etc. There are some thought provoking questions such as "If you could travel back in time and return safely, what period would you go back to?" and "What things matter most to you in life?".

There are other ways to pass down your memories. There are "Letters To My Grandchild" and other books that you can fill in the blanks with your stories. You could also do a daily journal. I don't do a daily journal, but what a great way to pass on some of your thoughts and memories. Not long after my daughter was born, I began to journal about her growing up. I wrote in a spiral notebook and kept small items in the side pocket to remember the activities. She loved play money, so I put in one of the bills. I put in ticket stubs from movies and other activities. I started adding my son's activities when he was born. I wrote in "The Book" as we called it up to and including the day she got married and presented it to her that morning. I cried knowing it was the end of an era for me as she was about to walk down the aisle to a whole new life. My son will also get a copy. I still enjoy reading my copy and remembering those great times and memories of both my kids.  

About two years ago, I started a travel journal. I bought a nice leather journal and have written about a couple of trips so far. This journal is mainly  to remind me of trips taken and places visited. But, I suppose, it could be interesting to future generations if it lasts that long.

My wife has been doing a little family tree research and has come across a few stories of our ancestors. It is a shame we don't know more details about their lives. I wish I had a journal from each one so I could look back and really get to know them and the time they lived in. I guess it is never too late to jot down our history as we know it with our own stories and experiences. I'm glad I'm able to do it through this StoryWorth and through "The Book".

Do you journal or use some other means to put your experiences to paper or computer?  One of my earlier blogs touched on photos and videos, can you think of any other ways  to preserve our history for future generations?

Even better,  "If you could travel back in time and return safely, what period would you go to?".