Personal Journal or Life Sketch

Along with the challenge of building a pedigree chart, as outlined in the previous post, is the not-so-exciting task of writing in a journal. However, some of us view a journal as an easy way to record experiences and create a history for ourselves, which can prove valuable when we need to remember details from the past. Journals become especially cherished when the author has deceased or when memories fade. On the other hand, some of us view a journal as a time-consuming, labor-intensive waste. "Who's going to want to read about me, anyway?......I'm not that special!" "I'm not so important that I need to write down everything I do," "I don't like diaries!" "Who really cares?" My feelings exactly!...................until I read some family life sketches. Then I changed my way of thinking.

One of the women I read about in a book of remembrance that was compiled many years ago (who's life was recorded in many paragraphs), had a full life, was quite talented, and was well liked by everyone.

Another woman, who I'm sure had just as full a life, had for her legacy, a three-sentence paragraph describing, in the most simple language, her entire existence here on earth. I realized, then, that even though I greatly disliked recording events, feelings, and life happenings, the need for a record of my existence was of importance to me. I wanted to be remembered for being more than just a name on a paper.

So, how and where do you begin? "The beginning of time" is always too far back to try to catch up on, so start with today by writing a few things you're going to do, or have already done, either with pen and paper, or on a keyboard. Awkward? YES, at first; but as you get going, and add more detail describing where you are, who you're speaking about, and what's going on, you'll find it a bit easier to keep writing. This is one of those things that gets better with practice. Many a "first journal" gets tossed in the garbage only to be rewritten later.

The point is, just start! If pen and paper are too slow, and a keyboard isn't user friendly, a voice recorder can be the answer. This is especially helpful when acquiring information from an older person who has lots of memories, and lots of experiences. Recording random memories and thoughts, you can capture a personality that is unmatched on paper. The inflection in their voice reveals emotions that paint a true picture of who this person really is. Prioritizing later, you can gather stories on a recorder and either keep the recording, and/or transcribe it into a journal or book of remembrance.

Talking into a microphone may seem strange in the beginning, but look at it this way: with the new technology of the cell phone ear bud, people appear to be talking to themselves as they walk down a grocery store aisle or sidewalk. Just like the beginnings of almost anything, using a voice recorder will take some getting used to and lots of practice.

Again, the point is, just start!