Here’s
the first of several rules that will help you create your Personal History:
Write it down as you think of it.
Don’t try to be chronological and don’t worry if your writing seems
disorganized. There’s plenty of time for that after you’ve put your memories on
paper.
In each
new blog I will give you a start toward writing a chapter, a page, or a memory.
It will be followed by an abbreviated example (in italics) from my own personal
history to show you one possible way of doing. Follow your own lead. Mine might
not be comfortable for you.
___
We have
to start somewhere, so let’s go to some of your childhood memories.
If you
were writing a play or novel, you’d have to make up a setting where the action
takes place. Let’s start with your personal childhood setting: your bedroom. Walk
into the room and look around. Write it down as you go. Talk about color and whether
your shared it or had your own room. Did you have any part in choosing furniture?
Where were things stored? Were there shelves on the wall? An armoire? Boxes on
the floor? Was it bright or dark, neat or messy, was the floor carpeted? Most
important – was it your special hideaway where you felt safe or was it not? What
did you do there?
JG
Entry
Two big windows brought morning
light into my corner bedroom. Even when I closed the venetian blinds, the
eastern sunrise filtered into the room reflecting on the pale yellow walls. I
wonder if I was a natural early-riser, or if this daily experience throughout
my childhood was the impetus for my “morning person” reputation.
My mother’s
preference for period décor spilled into every room in the house. While I voted
for a black, white and red color scheme, she chose dusty rose, green and cream.
(I promised myself I would one day decorate in colors of my choosing. It took
nearly twenty years, but I finally did when I decorated my first kitchen.)
Twin beds made
“sleepovers” easy and comfortable. Secrets shared in the dark are better than
any others, and many confidences were revealed in that room…
Now
it’s your turn.
If
you’re not sure how to move forward with this, email me (judy@as-you-recall.com) to arrange a complimentary consultation.