Writing Tip #2: Begin Triggering Memories

Here are some suggestions you can do to begin triggering memories about your past:

•Create a separate piece of paper for each time frame of your life, i.e., Beginnings/Childhood, Teen Years, Early Adult Years including mission and college years, Courtship/Marriage, Being a Parent, Middle Adult Years, Being a Grandparent, Personal Reflections and Interesting Tidbits.

Use these sheets of paper to jot down your memories as you go through some of the exercises listed below. Use short descriptions and key words that will help you recall the incident when you come back to the list to begin writing your story.

• Go through your photo albums and scrapbooks. Pictures will jog memories you might not otherwise remember. As you look at the pictures create lists of people you want to write about (family members, extended family, friends, neighbors), places you have been, experiences you have had. Jot down just enough to remind yourself what it is you wish to write about when you come back to this list later on. The trick is to just get as much as possible out onto the sheet of paper or computer screen in front of you.

• Find a quiet time (and space). Let your mind just start reflecting on some of your earliest memories. Begin jotting down any and all thoughts that occur to you as you reflect upon each time frame of your life. (You may actually find yourself waking up at night, remembering something about your life that you forgot to include in your list – be prepared with a pencil and paper handy!)

•Talk to your parents, siblings, or other relatives and ask them what they remember about certain times or events in your life.

•Look through your journals, certificates, and awards received. These will bring out a wealth of memories – again, just jot down the key essentials that will remind you of the events when you are ready to write about them. (Use this time now to identify those photos and certificates, etc., that you might like to scan and include in your history.)

• Create lists such as:
• all the schools you attended
• all the places you have lived
• jobs you have held
• church positions in which you have served
• relatives names, family members, etc.

Don’t feel like you have to do this all in one sitting. Let yourself think about your past, it is amazing what will come to mind – just be sure to jot it down so you can later tell your story. You can now sort this information by category so it will be available when you are ready to write about each of those events or categories.

You may or may not want to write your history in chronological order – it’s all up to you. For now just begin writing, share your memories about the event, the person, or the situation. Later, you can put all these events in the order you want.

Good Luck! Get Started! Have FUN!

Your Birth

What do you know about the when, where, and how of your birth? (The hour, the day of the week, the date, your weight, the town, city, county; other details?)

What are some of the things your parents and close relatives may have told you (or written) about your birth?

Were you born in unusual circumstances? In an unusual place? At home, in a hospital, or on the way there?

Did your parents tell you how they came to name you? How do you like your name? Did it give you problems later?

Were you an only child? Were there other children? Were you the oldest, youngest, middle?

How old were your parents at the time of your birth? What work was your father and/or mother engaged in? Would you say they were poor, of modest means, well off?

Did your parents keep a “baby” book? You may find a wealth of information as well as pictures, anecdotes, medical history, special events, etc., recorded there.

Is there something humorous you always say about your birth?

Early Childhood

What little stories have your parents and relatives told you about your early childhood years? How do they remember you as a child?

Where did you live? What was the neighborhood like? Who lived next door?

What was your house like? Describe your house as you remember it...picture in your mind each room of your house and describe what you see.

What are your most vivid recollections of these early years? Do you have any snapshots taken of you then? Describe what you see in them.

What were some of the games you played as a child? Whom did you play with?

Do you remember when brothers and sisters were born in your family? When? Where? Describe your feelings as your new siblings joined the family.

Did you have any illnesses or accidents as a child? Ever go to the hospital?

Did you have a favorite pet as a child? What was its name? Tell about it.

Did you cherish a particular toy as a child?

Can you remember a particular birthday party that was given to you as a child? Did your family have any traditions related to birthdays?

Elementary School and Older Childhood

What were your first impressions as you started school? What do you remember about your first day? Was it a happy beginning or were you tearful and homesick?

Did you go to public school, private school, home school? How far was it from your home? How did you get there?

Did you go home for lunch, bring your lunch, or was there a school cafeteria? What sort of food did you eat?

What classes did you like the most?

Did you have any special interests or talents you were recognized for?

What were some of the games you played during these school years? Did you learn to ride a bike? To skate? To play marbles? etc. Did you play any musical instruments?

Were you awkward as a child? Tall? Short? Fat? Athletic? How did you dress? Were you shy?

How did you get along with your brothers and sisters? How did you get along with other children at school?

Do you remember any of your childhood playmates and friends? What were they names? What did you do when you got together?

What were some of the chores your parents asked you to do as a child? Which ones did you dislike the most? What odd jobs did you do to earn money?

What holiday was the most fun for you? Describe your family traditions related to holidays.

What were some of the important and historical events occurring in your community, state, or country? How did they affect or impact you?

Describe “a day in the life of your mother”. Describe a “day in the life of your father.” (Be sure to include such things as the appliances, tools, methods of work, etc.)

Religious Events

Did you participate in any religious events as a child? This might include a baptism, catechism/confirmation, BarMitzvah or BasMitzvah.

Describe this special event – the day, the place, who was there, and your feelings about your experience. Did you write about this experience in one of your earlier journals? If so, you may want to quote yourself as you share your feelings about this event.