Why documenting our personal histories is vital for kids and future generations
“Journal your life; don’t lose it in the moment”
– Rutger Bruining, Founder of Story Terrace
With the likes of TV documentaries such as 'Who do you think you are?' staying strong on our screens, the thought of documenting a life story you may have thought was left to just celebrities. But now you can publish your own biography to leave as one of the most special heirlooms. Story Terrace, is a new service which helps everyday people to write their biographies. Rutger Bruining tells us why documenting our personal histories is vital for kids and future generations.
“Sometimes life moves so fast, it’s hard to keep up. We’re often so focused on the “destination”, that weeks, months and even years can go by without us taking the time to fully reflect on our journey. Yet, this is one of the most important things we can do, both for our own benefit and that of future generations.
A skill that generations of the 21st Century lack is diary-writing. The instantaneous culture of social media and instant messaging demands so much of our attention today, that crucial memories get lost, overwritten by an attempt to shout about our achievements. Before the content culture reigned supreme, people relived their favourite experiences through the art of diary writing and story-telling. These moments demanded self-reflection, to learn lessons from one’s own experiences and to develop an appreciation for one’s life. Diary writing needs to be revived, because, as we all know, undocumented memories don’t last forever.
You might think that your stories aren't interesting enough for a book. The truth is that everyone has a story to tell, and everyone's story matters. You don't have to be a celebrity or politician to have a story worth capturing – especially if your audience is your own family.
If you think about members of your family, your thoughts probably land on loveable idiosyncrasies, funny moments around the dinner table or on holiday, as well as the challenges, achievements and milestones they have reached. The same is going to be true when a family member thinks about you. Therefore, putting together a journal or even autobiographical memoir of your life-story is a unique and sure-fire way to strengthen bonds with your other family members and loved ones, giving them insight into who you are and telling them stories about you that they hadn’t previously known.
Documenting your personal history is not only a worthwhile pursuit for you and your close ones of this generation, but for your kids, too. As they get older, they will have so many questions about how you lived when you were their age, the thoughts you had, the person you were. Learning about your parents or grandparents (and realising that they, too, are human!) can answer a multitude of questions about yourself: why you dance the way you do, which activities you seek out for fun, even sometimes what your sense of humour is. It may also provide them with a stronger sense of personal identity – they now have a better understanding of their lineage, those who came before them, and what went into making them who they are today.“
“Finally, writing a biography doesn’t just document your life-story; it documents a period of time. Our actions and reactions are all shaped by the society we live in, the ‘big topic’ conversations that are being held both nationally and internationally, and social trends that influence our everyday communication with one another. Making a biography will also serve as a record of the time you lived in – the social movements you were a part of, perhaps discrimination overcome, or lessons learned.
Giving yourself the quality time alone to reflect on the events and conversations that you’ve been part of, gives you a space to appreciate who you really are. Documenting the highlights and lowlights of your life not only provides you with a gift to look back on in years to come, it also provides a gift to your children. They can discover the person you really are, behind your role of a parent, ultimately drawing you all closer together.”
To find out how to commission your book or a loved ones visit: www.storyterrace.com