It’s important while editing and getting ready to publish your biography or family history to keep track of WHY you are writing and who your AUDIENCE is. My biography was written for my family so they could understand my life’s experiences from my point of view. I wanted them to see how I relied on my faith for answers and guidance. My hope is that it would give my posterity some insights on how to solve the problems they will face, for I know from my experiences that life isn’t easy for any of us.
As I’ve reread my life story I’ve focused on those experiences that will show this aspect of “me.” What I’m trying to do with words is to capture the essence of who “I” am or trying to become. This process can be cathartic as you reexamine problems, disappointment or trials you overcame. I think every person’s life has those dramatic events that forever change his or her future. In my biography, I emphasized how I loved dance and how it helped me develop self-confidence to go forward with my life along with my faith in a higher power.
From the distance of a few years, it’s possible to see how growth came out of any difficulties faced. Forgiveness of self and others than have given hurt or offended us can be achieved as we examine our lives from a distance. In the passion of the moment when a tragedy occurs all we feel is pain, hurts and anger. Time heals all wounds as we go through the grieving process. Writing your life story can do that for you. That’s what I discovered when I wrote and shared my life story at age 60. Was my life finished then? No, but it was time to LOOK BACK.
Don’t forget to include those moments of joy or happiness, achievements accomplished as well as lessons learn. For life is full of both negative and positive experiences, and they can be great teachers if we analyze the lessons and values they can teach us: forgiveness, patience, long suffering, diligence, persevering, courage, gratitude, and faith to name a few. All of this can come from writing your life story. Why not start today if you haven’t already begun. It doesn’t matter your age, health or educational experiences. You are the only one who can write your life story and do it justice.
