Why Your Past Shouldn’t Stay in the Past
“…For most people, writing their life' s memories is one of those "wish I had done this sooner experiences….”
The Beneficial Effects of Life Story and Legacy Activities …”We know, and research increasingly tells us, that life story writing and reminiscence can improve the mood and quality of life for adults with more years behind than ahead of them…”
Telling Their Life Stories, Older Adults Find Peace
… Research by many gerontologists — including James E. Birren, who created the discipline of guided autobiography — has found that reminiscing can improve the confidence of older adults. By recalling how they overcame past struggles, they are better able to confront new challenges, …
The Science of Older and Wiser "Most psychologists agree that if you define wisdom as maintaining positive well-being and kindness in the face of challenges, it is one of the most important qualities one can possess to age successfully..."
What Kids Learn From Hearing Family Stories
"Over the last 25 years, a small canon of research on family storytelling shows that when parents share more family stories with their children—especially when they tell those stories in a detailed and responsive way—their children benefit in a host of ways..."
Therapeutic Writing: Life Stories Punctuated by Healing
"...I had relied on deep reflective writing practices like journaling and legacy letters to help me make sense of how stroke had changed my life...."
Our Stories, Ourselves
"...We all have stories to tell and are just dying for people to listen..."
Stories that Bind Us
"... if you want a happier family, create, refine and retell the story of your family’s positive moments and your ability to bounce back from the difficult ones..."
Tell the Story of Your Life in Just Six Words Six Word Memoirs
Online Video
The following three links tell the story of the Six Word Memoir project developed by Larry Smith. Hear of the origins of the 6 word memoir and the boardwalk talks with Smitty "the mayor of his section" and how a simple request lead to a movement of capturing people's stories in just 6 words. Larry delivers and encourages the use of 6 words to heal, build community, collaborate and connect. Example of 6....Small idea with big lasting effect!
Website: http://www.sixwordmemoirs.com/
TED talk in brief: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8zY0oAdQrs
TED talk in detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=untqdxugZ9Q