| Did you know that most of us are naturally | | | | Before you do any writing or taping, start by |
| predisposed to hear, remember, and tell stories? | | | | drawing a timeline (in the center of a piece of |
| And our stories have themes: family history, | | | | paper, draw a straight line from one end of a |
| births, deaths, education, food and recipes, | | | | piece of paper to the other) with your birth date |
| grandparents, journeys, romance, military (war) | | | | at the left margin and the present date at the |
| stories and many more. | | | | right margin. |
| So where does one begin to tell one's stories or | | | | Vertically along the line write a word or a phrase |
| start writing them down? | | | | describing important events or experiences and |
| How does one start to review a long and often | | | | include an approximate date if you can. |
| multi-faceted life? What things are important to | | | | The fourth step...is to start asking and answering |
| include? What events and experiences can be | | | | a few simple questions: |
| omitted? | | | | · Happiness is... |
| The first step...is to identify your goal. Don't be | | | | · Who am I mad at... |
| limited by the themes I just mentioned. | | | | · I used to be scared of... |
| Storytelling is fun, creative, healing, transforming, | | | | · I am sad because... |
| connecting, and anything else it becomes for you, | | | | · Loneliness feels like... |
| the storyteller! | | | | · I need... |
| Storytelling is the way you can make sense out | | | | · I wish... |
| of events, experiences and relationships, observe | | | | If feeling questions aren't for you, consider these |
| how people interacted, or didn't, and deepen your | | | | as a place to start: |
| understanding of who you are and perhaps why | | | | · Who was my best friend in childhood? |
| you think, or believe or react the way you do. | | | | · Now? |
| Storytelling can be a way to provide a presence | | | | · Who was my hero (heroine) and why? |
| and guidance to children when a parent is | | | | · Who was an important or special adult in |
| terminally ill and won't live to see his or her | | | | my life (this can be a teacher, clergy, the parent |
| children through the milestones of life. It is a fun | | | | of a friend...)? |
| and engaging way to bring back to life, if you will, | | | | · Describe your family as if you were |
| relatives that have long since died and weave a | | | | creating a family tree. |
| tapestry of family history that connects children | | | | · If you could be anyone in the world |
| to their heritage. | | | | who would it be? |
| The second step...is to decide if you are going to | | | | · How did my family handle money? |
| use a tape recorder or write your stories. If you | | | | The possibilities are infinite. Don't get bogged down |
| are writing, I suggest you use a journal-like | | | | in the format or structure. Any and all questions |
| booklet or a 3-ring binder if you are using a | | | | will lead you to where you are going. Trust the |
| computer. | | | | process and take good care along the way. |
| The third step...is to choose a format or structure | | | | Remember, only YOU can make it happen! |
| to begin the process. You can change this format | | | | Copyright Dr. Jackie Black 1999-2005 |
| anytime. It is only a place to start. | | | | If you like this article, please read more about |
| You can begin by asking and answering questions | | | | Dr. Jackie's relationship dating advice and help for |
| that will evoke feelings. Or, you can begin by | | | | issues and problems. |
| describing people and events in your life. You can | | | | This article may be re-published with appropriate |
| follow your life chronologically or frame your story | | | | attribution to the author including name, web site, |
| event by event. Don't focus on order, grammar, | | | | email address and telephone number. |
| or spelling. This is not a writing project! | | | | |