People usually find that writing the story of their life proves to be a very enjoyable and satisfying activity. It is widely recognised as having a calming and cathartic effect; it can also help you to find a new perspective on past events and relationships.
Not only will you benefit, but your biography will be a wonderful legacy for your family and future generations. They will be able to better understand who you are and the difficulties that you encountered during your lifetime within its historical context.
1. Remember particular scene when you were 5 or 10 years old
Picture where you were, who was around you, what you did, how you felt, etc. Jot down those details. This is often a good starting point.
2. ‘Think in chapters’
Go back and think of your parents’ parents and their parents. Who were they? What was life like for them? Do you already have a genealogy tree? Do you remember your grandparents? Jot down the names/nicknames that come to mind, this will trigger yet more memories. Simply note down basic information for each chapter of your life: baby, child, school, college/university, work/career, love and marriage, your first house, holidays, children, grandchildren…
3. What is the running theme in your life?
Travel? Family? Work? Sport? Hobbies? Pets?
4. Just 10 minutes a day, and you are well on your way!
As with anything, doing a little bit each day does help a lot. However, you may well find that some days you are just not ‘in the zone’, and that’s perfectly fine! But as long as you set some time aside most days, you will make steady progress. You may even relish that quiet time to yourself.
5. Get feedback
Remember: you are never on your own. Tell a good friend or member of family about your writing project. They will give you moral support and encouragement.
Of course, we can be that soundboard person for you as well. We are always here to guide you along the way.
‘Chapters of My Life’ Can Help You
Having written hundreds of biographies, we’ve trodden that path before. We know that the process of writing about one’s own life experience can be daunting and challenging at times. You can provide us with the basic draft of your story and we can transform it into a well-written, if not romanticised, work of art which you will be proud to have on your shelf and to impress your entourage with!
Holding your very own biography in your hands provides a sense of achievement and pride that few things in life can equal.
