Stories Matter: Practical Ways to Capture the Life History of Your Loved Ones and Yourself
Preserve your memories, keep them well, what you forget, you can never retell. -Louisa May Alcott
There are so many things I want to know—mostly the ordinary details we often take for granted. I wonder about his parents, the memories he has of his grandparents, the person he could always rely on, and what made him fall in love with my mom. I was very close to my dad and spent a lot of time with him, but I never had the chance to really delve into his life history. When you're young, you don't understand its value or how much you'll someday long for this information.
So often we intend to preserve cherished stories and memories, yet the thought of compiling a life history can seem daunting. However, it doesn't have to be. To assist you in beginning this meaningful project, here are five practical tips to help you start documenting your own stories or those of a loved one today.
Tip # 1
Use your social media accounts: They can be an invaluable resource for creating detailed timelines. Posts with photos and captions often include specifics about life events, making it easier to recall important moments. By reviewing your social media account, you can pinpoint the exact year you took a particular vacation, attended significant events, or faced challenging periods in your life. This detailed record helps in accurately documenting your history.
Tip # 2
Start using the native voice recording app on your phone: Capture your memories as they come to you quickly and easily. The apps usually allow you to create folders to put the recordings into so they can be organized as you see fit. Additionally, you can upload them directly to Microsoft Word, OneNote, or Evernote which will transcribe the audio for you.
Tip # 3
Enlist the help of others when documenting a loved one's stories: Ask family members and their friends to share memories, quotes, and favorite stories. Collaborate using social media by making group page where everyone can contribute their recollections or utilize shared documents in platforms like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox to collect and organize contributions.
Tip # 4
Begin with a basic life overview: Compile pivotal information focusing on significant life events such as births, marriages, divorces, moves, religious rites, deaths. When gathering the information from loved ones avoid assuming you already know the answers to these questions.
Tip # 5
Start a life history dinner time tradition: Pick a time and invite family members to get together and while sharing a meal tell the stories from your lives. To capture those stories, set up a recording device such as your phone. You can even pre-select a topic, such as graduation day, vacations, or the most trouble I ever got into, so that everyone can come prepared share their stories.
Other useful tips and resources:
Utilize Zoom or other web meeting programs for long distance interviews.
Use a backup recording device for in person interviews; we recommend this one. *affiliate link
Hit record on your phone when an impromptu story session occurs with your loved ones.
Utilize software programs/apps such as OneNote or Evernote where you can upload recordings from your devices and it will transcribe them for you.
Organize your photos and compile your history by documenting names, dates, locations and any memories that come to mind associated with those pictures. Get the kids to help out by downloading our free photo fun printable. There is one for print photos and one for digital photo uploads.
If the prospect of compiling a comprehensive life history excites you, stay tuned. I will be sharing more in-depth posts on how to conduct a life history interview, including detailed guidance on the tools and resources you’ll need. Additionally, I’ll explore numerous ways to enrich the histories you are writing with captivating details. These upcoming posts will provide everything from sample questions and recording techniques to creative tips for adding vivid, personal touches to your narratives. And don't forget to subscribe to our blog so you don't miss any of our insightful posts and updates!
I hope this has sparked ideas and motivation for you to embark on the journey of documenting the stories and life experiences of your family members, or even your own. Stories hold immense significance, not only for preserving memories after we are gone but also for enriching our lives in the present. They serve as bridges between generations, fostering connections and understanding. By capturing and sharing these narratives, we not only honor the past but also contribute to the collective tapestry of human experience. So, seize this opportunity to preserve and celebrate the stories that shape your family's identity and legacy.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn for qualifying purchases. Don't worry, it doesn't cost you any more if you purchase through my link.
Comments