So you think you don't have enough memories to write your life story? You are wrong. They just need to be brought out to the here and now. There is an excellent way to do it, take notes. It will take time, but you will see results.

There is nothing to stop you from writing your memories down on a note pad or in an exercise book. But memories rarely arrive in chronological order and when you start writing your book of life stories, you will be forever flicking backwards and forwards through the pages trying to find the note that you want.

A better idea is to jot each memory down on index cards. That way it doesn't matter in what order you write them down because when you are ready you can put together all those cards which relate to each other and they will form a chapter.

There is a similar, cheaper way to do this. Tear scrap paper into four quarters and have piles in each room, including the bathroom so you can jot thoughts down immediately. (This is a brilliant way to use junk mail.) On your night stand next to your bed is one of the best places for a pile of paper and a pencil or pen. Many times I have woken up from a sound sleep with a memory tidbit on my mind. It's like a dream, you seldom remember it in the morning, so write it down. Then put them into a folder to look at later. It is surprising how quickly those notes build up. When the stack reaches three or four inches high, you have the basics to begin your book.

Again, write down your memories immediately, otherwise you may struggle to remember them. You will soon learn that this is good advice. I have found that the more memories I recall, the more my currently forgetful brain brings to the forefront. Our brain is a wonderful part of our body. There is so much information stored up there that with a little effort can be brought to the present time.

If you are finding it difficult to recall your memories another solution is to get someone to interview you about your life and either record the interview or take notes for you. If they know you well and what kind of life story you want to write, they will be able to come up with the questions themselves or have them use the ones you have in your “Questions” folder. You don't have that folder? Come to our Memoir class at the Maynardville Senior Center next Thursday, June 28th at 9:30 AM and learn more about writing your memories. Your grandchildren and those in the future will be excited to learn what a character they have on their family tree. Write on!