Have you ever told a story about your life and had people say: You should write a book about that!? Or do you have children or grandchildren who want to know more about your earlier days? Or maybe you simply want to get your story on paper for your own satisfaction.
Whatever might prompt you to write your life story - your memoir, isn't it time to get started? I've been teaching writing classes to people over 50 for a while now, and I'm continually inspired by what happens as they write.
Again and again, I see how many amazing experiences people have had that make for great stories.
Once people start writing their stories, I also see them experiencing many benefits.
Here are some you might find if you write your story: Self-discovery.
Sometimes it's hard to remember all you've been through or realize how it has shaped your life until you write it down.
Emotional comfort.
When you start putting down the details of your experience, a flood of emotion often comes up.
You may feel a sense of warmth and delight as you remember the sights, smells, and sounds -- and the emotional connection you had with the people who were with you.
Meaning making.
Writing your story can help you make sense of the experiences, piecing together elements of your life that you hadn't connected before.
Wisdom emerges, and you are passing it along.
Resolving unfinished business.
Some memories may remind you of scars that haven't healed: Something still bugs you.
Something still needs to be figured out or said.
Writing can bring remarkably clarity and closure.
Legacy.
Your family and friends need your story.
Your written story helps them know more about who you are.
It also helps them understand their heritage.
In some cases, your story might become part of a community collection of stories that can help many people for generations to come know the history of your area or your people.
OK, now that you can see the benefits of writing your story, how do you get started? One way is to sign up for a memoir-writing class or memoir writers group.
Alone it can be tough to figure out how to get started and to stay with it once you start.
But when you share your writing with others, you'll see how thrilled others are to hear about your life.
You'll get supportive ideas and practical feedback.
You'll also be part of a community that will celebrate your work with you when it's finished.
Remember this: Someone needs your story - maybe it's you!
Whatever might prompt you to write your life story - your memoir, isn't it time to get started? I've been teaching writing classes to people over 50 for a while now, and I'm continually inspired by what happens as they write.
Again and again, I see how many amazing experiences people have had that make for great stories.
Once people start writing their stories, I also see them experiencing many benefits.
Here are some you might find if you write your story: Self-discovery.
Sometimes it's hard to remember all you've been through or realize how it has shaped your life until you write it down.
Emotional comfort.
When you start putting down the details of your experience, a flood of emotion often comes up.
You may feel a sense of warmth and delight as you remember the sights, smells, and sounds -- and the emotional connection you had with the people who were with you.
Meaning making.
Writing your story can help you make sense of the experiences, piecing together elements of your life that you hadn't connected before.
Wisdom emerges, and you are passing it along.
Resolving unfinished business.
Some memories may remind you of scars that haven't healed: Something still bugs you.
Something still needs to be figured out or said.
Writing can bring remarkably clarity and closure.
Legacy.
Your family and friends need your story.
Your written story helps them know more about who you are.
It also helps them understand their heritage.
In some cases, your story might become part of a community collection of stories that can help many people for generations to come know the history of your area or your people.
OK, now that you can see the benefits of writing your story, how do you get started? One way is to sign up for a memoir-writing class or memoir writers group.
Alone it can be tough to figure out how to get started and to stay with it once you start.
But when you share your writing with others, you'll see how thrilled others are to hear about your life.
You'll get supportive ideas and practical feedback.
You'll also be part of a community that will celebrate your work with you when it's finished.
Remember this: Someone needs your story - maybe it's you!
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