When Should I Create My Personal History? See also 2: Writing a Family History” in the FamilySearch Learning Center. Writing about your past, even if it was not idyllic, can help you cope with feelings and create an opportunity to find understanding and forgiveness. It may help to clarify your direction in life. Writing your history can also provide you with an opportunity to evaluate your life. His words were written, and so his triumph over tragedy and his faith have remained an example of devotion to people of the world for thousands of years. “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever!” he mourned (Job 19:23-4 KJV). A famous, biblical example is Job of the Old Testament, who suffered many trials. Your example, trials, and triumphs can strengthen and motivate others. You could have a great effect on those who follow you. The words your teenager rejects now may become clear and precious when he or she rereads them later in life.
Words in print can be read and reread, pondered over, and returned to. A record of your life can be a great gift to those who come after you. Why Create a Personal History? Īsk yourself these questions – if your parents, grandparents, and other ancestors did not leave life histories, do you wish they had? Do you wish you could read about their lives? If so, it is likely for your descendants to feel the same way if you don’t. The questions are categorized to keep details organized.Īlso, see this FamilySearch blog article about this subject, New Year's Resolution: Write Your Life Story #52Stories. If you feel overwhelmed about where to begin, go to (Sign up it’s free!) On the site, there is a section titled “All About Me.” This is a great starting point, because not only does it ask questions to trigger memories, it also allows you to document your answers right there within the form. If you leave it to someone else to create it, he or she can only rely on their memories of you and secondhand stories that may not accurately reflect your life. It is important to retain accuracy of information when creating your personal history. 7 Decide How You Want Your Finished History to LookĪ personal history is one way of leaving a legacy for descendants to treasure for generations.6 Review and Evaluate What You Have Written.5.1 Potential Subjects for Your History.4 Different Types of Personal Histories.3 When Should I Create My Personal History?.