I have shared previously how I had been searching for items of my parents in their own words and voice. I’d give anything to sit around the table after dinner and hear one of my dad’s slightly off-color jokes. Or to hear my mom’s story of how she followed my dad’s band around in the early sixties as one of his first groupies.
When you begin to write your stories, remember to do so in your own authentic conversational manner. Use phrases, words, and language that you would use if you were speaking directly to your loved ones.
In this age of social media coupled with the accessibility of video, we have many ways to capture our messages, but this does not minimize the value of the written story. You might be camera shy or uncomfortable being recorded, and writing may allow you to feel more comfortable sharing. Some people are able to better organize their thoughts and express their views more easily when writing their personal history.
While seeing someone speak on video captures their essence, I would also say that their is something to be said for the art of writing. Especially in modern times. It is extra special to have someone take the time to write down the stories on paper to be read again and again and taken straight to our hearts. The beauty of writing is that it can be crafted and revised to speak your emotions more intentionally. It is also easy to save, pass along, and even consume written stories without additional tools. Picture your loved ones and write the way you would speak to them.
The example I share next is a story I wrote to my own boys - using my own words. I chose a topic that we all would remember fondly and tried to capture as much of the emotion and sentimentality of the time that I was able to.
Example using “In Your Own Words and Voice”:
Bedtime and prayers were always a special time for me growing up. Mom and Dad would tuck us in and sit on the edge of the bed to say our prayers. We would always start with “Now I lay me down to sleep,” and end with “Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”
I carried this tradition on to both of you, my boys, and loved how it evolved into our own special ritual. Starting again with, “Now I lay me down to sleep,” but taking “Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” a few steps further with your responses of “I won’t!” And a continued back and forth of “Don’t let the boogie-boohs bite. I won’t! Don’t let the bibbits bite! I won’t!”
Yes, this definitely drew out our bedtime routine … and this also wasn’t your only tactic (Who can forget the many, “Mumma, I need one more drink., “Mumma, I need to go to the bathroom,” and the always favorite, “Mumma, I need to blow my nose,” … again. Yet, even so, I treasure those nights, snuggling up with you boys, especially now that you are grown. Oh, for one more, “Mumma, I’m thirsty!”
As you write your own stories, remember the key is to always use your own words.
Be real. Be you.
What are the phrases the reader associates with you?
We all have sayings that are associated to us. I am sure you can think back to your loved ones and the sayings that make you smile even now when you hear them spoken from someone else’s lips. Even as a mom, I chuckle when I hear my mom’s words come out of my own mouth. What can you add that will show beyond a shadow of a doubt that the words are yours?
Interested in more from the book and the other 9 items to include when documenting your personal history? Head over here to purchase your own copy of Bridging Your Past & Future. I share not only strategies and tips for making your stories more powerful, but examples of my own writing to demonstrate the topic. Its equal parts educational and heartwarming!