You have had years of experiences, decades of memories, and probably have one grand story to tell. Unfortunately, quite frequently, those stories are lost to time. Preserving your memories can be a gift that many don’t consider, but would love to have. We’ve put together some different ideas for preserving your story for your future generations.
Writing Your Story
One of the best ways to pass down your life story is simple: writing it. However, writing can be a daunting task to those that do it infrequently. The best way to begin is to either create an outline of your life, like in quick short sentences, or to just dive in wherever you see fit. You don’t have to start at the beginning, just start somewhere and go from there. If you decide to do an outline, use it as your roadmap to your story. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or anything else. Just get the words on the paper and worry about all that other stuff later. You could also have one of your friends or family help you with the writing process if they’re so inclined.
Once you have your story written and you’re satisfied with the outcome, what do you do with it? Well, you could just give either the document(s) file or printout to your children. Or, you could take it a step further and publish it into a book. Self-publishing is really easy these days and can take your written words and turn it into a book in a few simple steps. You can choose to publish it publicly or privately. When you publish it publicly, anyone can go to a website and buy a copy of your book, which could be beneficial. When you publish privately, it allows you to print off copies so that you can hand out to your friends and family.
Audio/Video Story
If you have a little technical know-how, you can cut out all the writing mentioned above, and just record your story for others to listen to or watch. You can purchase a voice recorder for a cheap price. Most voice recorders are digital these days, so tapes aren’t necessary. If you have a smartphone, camera, or camcorder, you can take it a step further and tell your story through video. This would create a long-lasting visual story that your family would cherish for years to come. With both audio and video, you’ll still want some sort of a written script, or bullet-points, so you don’t get off topic too much. Having the help of a tech-savvy friend or family member could be of great benefit if you aren’t sure how or what to do exactly.
The same question for audio/video arises: what do you do with it. It’s possible to just give the audio/video directly to friends and family. However, you could opt to upload the video to video streaming websites, like YouTube. This is convenient for two reasons: the first is that anyone can find your video, which can allow many more people to hear about you. The other is that it is essentially there forever. Generations and generations will be able to see your story by simply visiting the website, keeping your story safe forever.
Scrapbook
The greatest generation of seniors were among the first to take lots photos. Lots of seniors have priceless photos. Many are just in boxes. Take those photos and learn how to scrapbook. For those that don’t know, scrapbooking is simply making a photo album, but with decorative stickers, embellishments, words, and plenty more. You cut, glue, and stick things that are themed around your photo and create a story. Scrapbooking can involve a lot of time, but the outcome is something that’s is truly stunning and can last for years and years.
Typically, only one singular scrapbook is made. This limits how many people are able to see it, unlike the above suggestions for writing, audio, and video. The best way would be to give the book to someone that can be a sort of liaison for others to look at the book. They could pass it around to various people and keep the book secure. You could even have a scrapbook viewing party. Invite friends and family, provide refreshments and snacks, and take a trip down memory lane.
Conclusion
No matter how you preserve your memory, those that love you will be forever grateful that you took the time to tell your story. It’s a great way to ensure that all your memories, experiences, and a lifelong of learning doesn’t just get lost.
Bonaventure Senior Living
At Bonaventure Senior Living, we have Retirement Perfected, Living Perfected, Dining Perfected, and Fitness Perfected. The best way to see for yourself is to Book-A-Tour today and discover how you can live life on your own terms. We specialize in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, that way, no matter what your current situation is, we have all levels of care covered if your needs ever change.
Independent Living
With Independent Living, we want you to enjoy Simplified Living, allowing you to have the freedom to do what makes you happy. Our Independent Living is designed to accommodate the exceptional senior lifestyle that you’ve earned. What’s even better, is that with Independent Living we offer whatever supportive services that you may need at any time you may need them. Now that’s Retirement Perfected.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living at Bonaventure Senior Living is simple: all the lifestyle benefits of our Independent Living, but with any extra support that you may need. Our philosophy is based on three simple things: choice, independence, and dignity. Now that’s Assisted Living at its finest.
Memory Care
Every senior is a unique person, and our Memory Care approach is no different. We tailor our Memory Care by connecting with family members and taking time to understand each person’s specific circumstances. This includes mental, emotional, and physical health. Our Memory Care creates an honorable and professional plan to make sure that each person lives their life to the fullest. That’s the way Memory Care should be.
