<p> </p>

<h2 dir="ltr">Introduction</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Storyworth has been a popular choice for families wanting to preserve their loved ones' life stories in a book. Since its launch in 2011, many Storyworth alternatives have entered the market. We reviewed 30 memory preservation platforms, and here are the top five. All information is sourced from their official websites at the time of writing.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Factors to Consider</h2>
<p dir="ltr">With several memory preservation platforms available, it’s essential to choose the one that aligns with your preferences. Factors like the price, renewing subscriptions, the final product, the format of the memories (text, audio, video), and required work should all play a role in your decision. </p>
<p dir="ltr">To ensure impartiality and accuracy, I only included details that can be objectively verified from their websites. Subjective claims, like a competitor having better customer service, were excluded from the comparisons below.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Let’s start by taking a closer look at Storyworth, and then we’ll explore how it stacks up against its alternatives. After each of Storyworth’s alternatives, I included a "Pick If" to help you quickly make a decision.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Storyworth</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Subscription Model:</strong> Yes. After it ends, you must renew your subscription for another year or send whatever you have to be printed within a few months.</li>
<li><strong>Book:</strong> Black &amp; White (color upgrade for $40-60). Smaller relative to others (6x9 inches).</li>
<li><strong>Text:</strong> No formatting (you can’t underline or use italics), Latin alphabet only.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Storyworth is the most well-known brand in the memory preservation space, due to how long they’ve been around and their well-executed marketing efforts (TV ads, influncer sponsorships, etc). They’re known as a gift you can buy for your older family members.<br />
	 </p>
<h3>How Storyworth Works</h3>
<p>
	Storyworth is a subscription service where, each week, a question is emailed to your gifted  family member. They respond with a story, and after a year, these stories are compiled into a 6 x 9 hardcover book. The default subscription gives you a black-and-white book. You can’t upgrade your family member to a color book upfront. However, color printing options are available, you just have to pay extra at the time of printing.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 dir="ltr">What to Know before Buying Storyworth</h3>
<p dir="ltr">While Storyworth is well-known, it does have some limitations. Storyworth’s subscription model may not be ideal for everyone. The platform focuses exclusively on written stories, primarily via email reply, so if you’re looking to preserve memories through audio, you’ll need to look elsewhere.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Storyworth Alternative 1: My Stories Matter</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Subscription Model:</strong> No.<div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-right"><div id="file-23888" class="file file-image file-image-png">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/desktop-pricing-cta-memory-bookpng">desktop-pricing-cta-memory-book.png</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img alt="memory books" title="memory-books" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/desktop-pricing-cta-memory-book.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331702&amp;Signature=BERJ3R5B5gglkz3SD0RtS95WvSxjDrIeDBuEV5d3mQLdrl3I0JRzj0n2e7bHKMd45vCzSSUOTtMb2vPtYvtb1p88IVsBpBLRtSEGnlPRRYPG1T%2FUGH7Drj%2BqDbEn6sGnIjIN7emM6YBvdqJn1yU1u6x62nCKCQrVUJYgl5Y3JoBkqelgRS64akrHUcTqBtZ9GibyM%2Fxq5yFoLGuA0dlVfzoARp%2FwT%2F35Tann%2FRjsJTSwZ4Y%2Fng7IwO242SjVQOrFe%2FyfXN7abjScNr825jJprrDQoy%2BUNa7pPS9DyOiewBEhWbZy1DVfokqRhgLj7ZkXWbMtdWseksrWALgmFozJwg%3D%3D" width="500" height="500" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></li>
<li><strong>Book:</strong> Larger than Storyworth (8x10 inches), Full-Color.</li>
<li><strong>Text:</strong> Full formatting options (can bold, use italics, etc), any language.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">My Stories Matter offers optional emailed questions, similar to Storyworth. However, My Stories Matter allows you to adjust the frequency if you don’t want them weekly.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">With My Stories Matter, you can preserve memories using voice dictation in addition to typing. Professional designers craft personalized cover designs, so you don’t have to do it yourself. Their editors can help proofread upon request. <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/concierge-life-stories/photo-enhancements" title="photo enhancements">Their photo editors can restore your photos</a>. My Stories Matter is for those who want to preserve their memories without time constraints and who value a beautifully curated, high-quality book.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Does My Stories Matter Require a Subscription?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">No. Books cost (at the time of writing) $99.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Storyworth vs My Stories Matter</h2>
<p dir="ltr">One of the key strengths of My Stories Matter compared to Storyworth is its flexibility. While Storyworth primarily focuses on text-based memory books with a subscription model, My Stories Matter allows users to create Memory Books with features like speech-to-text functionality, co-writing with loved ones, and even offers photo restoration and personalized cover design. This provides a richer, more personalized experience that can capture not just the words, but also the visuals and collaborative storytelling of your loved ones.</p>
<p>	My Stories Matter also includes options like listening to songs to spark memories and a digital Timeline to easily look back on your stories. </p>
<p>	If you think your loved one might really enjoy reminiscing and get into recording their life stories, My Stories Matter is a much better choice. If you think they’ll just want to reply to emails and not dive in too deeply, Storyworth will work just as well.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23890" class="file file-image file-image-png">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/screenshot-2024-11-18-85708%E2%80%AFpmpng-0">Screenshot 2024-11-18 at 8.57.08 PM.png</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Screenshot%202024-11-18%20at%208.57.08%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331702&amp;Signature=j725mzYdW4XegcSZ%2FqIVGJ06KLJRybF5AsziI%2Fi3VpLl8ek%2FnGaZ0f%2Bjuyre8VvDaACqQDJAAjp8qHYPbTKeSvSuq5LMvus71u6u5o42WWW8KTDk%2BB0bNbbxVsO7VgKOw3Qaa3xDWwwxow5sAyiYSqRJ4VxhHZ0J8d9S1FGDLff5hYnwkHanMOpuekEnJu3vzBYh262dfV3hnKji86s%2BElC6eAmW%2Fjw3r2FUSre%2BfJjagSbkXvOhLzQnkQy%2FR0f4siMeEadBerXMg%2BRIXNJKnmuV1sS3IAUuMZcG62J0dHjKfLOMByUzSMe69pjqmn6UYM3WaHgOep7meltFLcyXsg%3D%3D" alt="easy-life-stories-process" />  </div>

  
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<h3 dir="ltr">Pick My Stories Matter If:</h3>
<ul>
<li>You care about the final book cover design and formatting but don’t want to fiddle with it yourself.</li>
<li>You care about the quality of the book’s content and may want help proofreading, restoring photos, or co-writing with loved ones.</li>
<li>You prefer a one-time purchase with no time limit to print.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Storyworth Alternative 2: Meminto</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Subscription Model:</strong> Must finish within 2 years or pay to extend the time limit.</li>
<li><strong>Book:</strong> Couldn't find details.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Meminto is a platform from Germany that offers more variety in memory preservation compared to Storyworth. Founded in 2017, Meminto allows users to create memory books that incorporate text and audio elements. Like Storyworth, you answer weekly questions to populate your book. Once you’re finished, they have a cover design template that you can use to put together your cover.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">How Much Does Meminto Cost?</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Their base prices, according to their FAQs, are: a book of 100 pages or fewer costs $99. 100 to 200 pages costs $129, and 200 to 300 pages is $149, plus shipping and handling of about $10-$20. You can also purchase additional credits to use their AI.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Meminto's Interactive Technology</h3>
<p dir="ltr">One of Meminto’s standout features is its ability to embed audio into memory books via a QR code. Users can scan QR codes to visit the audio clips on the web. This interactivity is something Storyworth doesn’t offer, which could be an advantage for tech-savvy families.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Meminto as a Storyworth Competitor</h3>
<p dir="ltr">While Storyworth excels in simplicity and ease of use, Meminto offers more flexibility and a multimedia experience. If you’re interested in creating a memory book that goes beyond text, Meminto might be the better choice. However, at the time of writing, they cap each story to a certain number of characters, which is something that Storyworth doesn’t do.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Pick This If:</h3>
<ul>
<li>You’re looking for a platform that integrates text &amp; audio (via QR codes) into your memory book.</li>
<li>You prefer a one-time payment without the commitment of a subscription.</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">Storyworth Alternative 3: A Life Untold</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Subscription Model:</strong> No.</li>
<li><strong>Book:</strong> Square: dimensions unspecified (the book is exactly as long as it is tall).</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">A Life Untold is another platform that offers a structured approach to creating personalized memory books. Founded by an Australian couple, this platform guides users through the process of documenting their life stories with a focus on reflection and storytelling.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">How much does Life Untold cost?</h3>
<p dir="ltr">$199, but at the time of this writing (Oct 8, 2024), they have a 50% discount. Note: they do have a time limit of 12 months to complete your book. After 15 months, they charge $5/month until you finish. If the books are longer than 150 pages, they charge $.50 a page. You can also buy additional copies for $79. </p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Life Untold's Sample Questions</h2>
<p dir="ltr">According to their blog, they have some creative categories of questions. Their questions include 1-word answers questions such as “Name your favorite: Book, Movie, Musician, Quote, Animal, Word…,”. They also include questions such as “Which of these words do you associate with your work: Love, Hate, Routine, Money, or something else?”. You have 101 questions to choose from.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">A Life Untold as a Storyworth Competitor</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Both A Life Untold and Storyworth offer similar approaches. The key differences are the book dimensions, price, and whether or not you answer via email.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Pick A Life Untold If:</h3>
<ul>
<li>You know you definitely don’t want weekly prompts and just want to do it all online yourself.</li>
<li>You prefer a book that has the same height and length (square).</li>
<li>You like their unique questions.</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">Storyworth Alternative 4: My Life in a Book</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Subscription Model:</strong> Yes. You subscribe to their 1-year Story Prompt Program.</li>
<li><strong>Book:</strong> Small (5.83” × 8.27”), Full-Color.</li>
<li><strong>Text:</strong> No formatting (underline, italics).</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">My Life in a Book is a French company offering a similar concept to Storyworth, sending weekly questions via email to help loved ones share their stories. Once completed, their memories are compiled into a book.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How Much Does My Life in a Book Cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Subscriptions start from $79, which includes 1-year of story prompts. I couldn't see on their website what happens if you don't finish after the year. You can pick out of some pre-made cover designs. Shipping is included for US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, otherwise it's $15.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">My Life in a Book vs. Storyworth</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Frankly they seem very similar aside from the color by default in the price. It looks like My Life in a Book added a new add-on feature to artificially recreate your voice using AI. I couldn’t see any reviews on it yet nor could I try it out, so I cannot comment on the new feature but it will be likely be important to some people one way or another.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Pick My Life in a Book If:</p>
<ul>
<li>You want something very similar to Storyworth but in color.</li>
<li>You're ok with only being able to add 1 photo per story (per their FAQs).</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">Storyworth Alternative 5: Circa Legacy</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Subscription Model:</strong> No.</li>
<li><strong>Book:</strong> Fully customized with text, audio, and video options.</li>
<li><strong>Text:</strong> Fully formatted and transcribed.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">If you don’t want to do any writing or recording yourself, Circa Legacy offers to do it all for you. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Circa Legacy costs $3,500. You get interviewed for 4 hours, and their writer transcribes and edits it. You then get their writing in up to 100 pages in a hardcover book laid out by their designer. You can include up to 40 photos.<br />
	Circa Legacy is ideal for those who want a polished, professional product without having to do the work themselves and are willing to pay the money. </p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Circa Legacy as a Storyworth Competitor</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Circa Legacy and Storyworth offer different approaches to memory preservation. While Circa Legacy provides a full-service experience, Storyworth is more hands-on, allowing users to be directly involved in creating their memory book. If you’re looking for a hand-off approach and don’t mind paying a premium, Circa Legacy could be a great option. </p>
<h3 dir="ltr">My Stories Matter Concierge Service</h3>
<p dir="ltr">My Stories Matter also offers a Concierge Interview service, similar to Circa Legacy. Compared to Circa Legacy, My Stories Matter’s interview service is slightly more expensive but includes almost 3x the number of interviews for a more in-depth, longer book. It also includes complimentary services such as photo restoration and enhancement for an even higher-quality final product.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Pick Circa Legacy If:</h3>
<ul>
<li>You just want to be interviewed.</li>
<li>You want a full-service experience with minimal effort on your part.</li>
<li>You’re willing to pay a premium.</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">Making the Right Choice</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Preserving your memories is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and future generations. While Storyworth remains the most well known brand, many alternatives may be a better fit for your needs. We hope we’ve made it easy for you to pick the right one for you and your family.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/memory-book" title="Memory Book">Find out more about our favorite choice.</a></p>


Considering Storyworth? Take a look at the top 5 Storyworth alternatives to see if there’s a competitor you prefer. Compare features, pricing, and more to find your perfect choice.

5 Top Storyworth Alternatives for Preserving Family Memories (2024 Edition)

<h1 dir="ltr">51 Best Questions to Ask Family Members</h1>
<p dir="ltr">Family is one of the most important pillars in our lives. Asking these questions can strengthen bonds, improve understanding of them as a person, and create lasting memories. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or simply looking to connect on a deeper level, here are 51 thought-provoking questions to ask your family members. Before you scroll to the tips, quickly read my 3 tips that will help you.</p>
<h2>3 Quick Tips for Asking Questions:</h2>
<p>	1. <strong>Show that you're interested:</strong> If you show you're interested, they'll have more fun. If they're hesitant, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-top-7-excuses-family-give-for-not-telling-their-stories/" title="The Top 7 Excuses Family Give for Not Telling Their Stories">here are some tips to convince them it's worth it</a>.<br />
	2. <strong>Follow the Flow of the Conversation:</strong> While having prepared questions is good, be <strong>very</strong> flexible. Let the conversation flow naturally. Follow up on intriguing details or stories that emerge. Those are usually the best ones.<br />
	3. <strong>Respect Their Boundaries</strong>: Be sensitive to topics that may be difficult to discuss. Sometimes your family members may want to discuss them, sometimes they won't. If they don't, reassure them and move on. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-tips-for-collecting-family-stories/" title="Tips for Questions">Here are more tips if you're interested.</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We've helped thousands of people capture their stories through questions, so we like to think we know a thing or two about what makes a great question.<br />
	These questions are in no particular order and I encourage you to skip any that don't apply or that you or your family member are not interested in.</p>
<p><strong>(Scroll to the end to see a free way to record their responses)</strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">
	Questions about Childhood</h3>
<ol>
<li value="1">What is your earliest memory?</li>
<li value="2">Describe a typical family meal during your childhood.</li>
<li value="3">What traditions or rituals did your family follow?</li>
<li value="4">Who were you closest to in your family growing up?</li>
<li value="5">What did you do for fun as a child?</li>
<li value="6">How did your family celebrate holidays or special occasions?</li>
<li value="7">What chores or responsibilities did you have as a child?</li>
<li value="8">What was the neighborhood you grew up in like?</li>
<li value="9">What was a typical day like for you during your childhood?</li>
<li value="10">How did your childhood environment shape your personality?</li>
<li value="11">What were some of your favorite places to visit with your family when you were young?</li>
<li value="12">How did your family handle difficult times or challenges during your childhood?</li>
</ol>
<h3 dir="ltr">Questions about School</h3>
<ol start="13">
<li value="13">What was your favorite subject in school, and why?</li>
<li value="14">What challenges did you face in school?</li>
<li value="15">How did you get to and from school?</li>
<li value="16">What was an important lesson you learned during your school years?</li>
<li value="17">What kind of student were you? Did you enjoy school?</li>
<li value="18">What were your relationships with your classmates like?</li>
<li value="19">How did your school experiences influence your future career choices?</li>
<li value="20">What was a memorable school event or trip?</li>
<li value="21">How did you manage the pressure or stress of schoolwork?</li>
</ol>
<h3 dir="ltr">Questions about Relationships &amp; Marriage</h3>
<ol start="22">
<li value="22">How did you meet your spouse/partner?</li>
<li value="23">What was your wedding day like?</li>
<li value="24">What have been some of the joys and challenges of marriage?</li>
<li value="25">How did you and your spouse navigate tough times?</li>
<li value="26">What advice would you give about building a strong relationship?</li>
<li value="27">How did you know your partner was the right one for you?</li>
<li value="28">What are some of the important qualities in a partner?</li>
<li value="29">How did you and your partner keep the romance alive?</li>
<li value="30">How have your views on relationships changed over the years?</li>
<li value="31">What role did your family play in your relationship or marriage?</li>
<li value="32">How did your relationship evolve over time?</li>
<li value="33">What is a favorite memory from your early days of dating?</li>
</ol>
<h3 dir="ltr">Questions about Work</h3>
<ol start="34">
<li value="34">What was your first job, and how did you feel about it?</li>
<li value="35">What were some rewarding parts of your work?</li>
<li value="36">How did your work impact your personal life?</li>
<li value="37">What career advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?</li>
<li value="38">What were some of your career achievements?</li>
<li value="39">How did you balance work and family life?</li>
<li value="40">Did you ever consider changing careers? Why or why not?</li>
<li value="41">What was a significant challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?</li>
<li value="42">How did your career path influence your identity or sense of self?</li>
<li value="43">What was a proud moment in your professional life?</li>
<li value="44">How did you decide on your career path?</li>
</ol>
<h3 dir="ltr">Questions about Hobbies &amp; Interests</h3>
<ol start="45">
<li value="45">What hobbies or interests have been a constant in your life?</li>
<li value="46">How did you get started in your favorite hobby?</li>
<li value="47">What did you enjoy about your favorite pastime?</li>
<li value="48">How have your hobbies influenced your friendships or social life?</li>
<li value="49">What new hobbies or skills have you picked up later in life?</li>
<li value="50">What hobby or interest would you like to explore more in the future?</li>
</ol>
<h3 dir="ltr"><b><strong>Bonus Question</strong></b></h3>
<ol start="51">
<li value="51">Is there anything you’ve never shared that you’d like to talk about?</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>Engaging with these questions (<a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-for-a-happy-life%C2%A0/" title="10 Questions to Ask Yourself for a Happy Life ">or these ones about happiness</a>, or <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/25-best-questions-to-ask-your-grandparents" title="25 Best Questions to Ask Your Grandparents">these ones specific to grandparent</a>s) will help you connect on a deeper level. Here are questions<br />
	You're doing a wonderful thing. So grab a cup of tea (or coffee in my case), sit down with your loved ones, and start the dialogue! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What to do with the Questions and Answers after you ask:</strong><br />
	Instead of asking and letting their responses be forgotten, I strongly encourage you to use <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="My Stories Matter">My Stories Matter</a> to preserve them. It's free. You can record their voice. You can make a book out of their responses and they'll love you for it.</p>
<p>...and we have even more questions that you can ask them. </p>


Strengthening Family Bonds Through Meaningful Conversation

51 Best Questions to Ask Family Members

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23869" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2024-03-26t085947760jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2024-03-26T085947.760.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img alt="family history" title="family history" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202024-03-26T085947.760.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331702&amp;Signature=Yy3QwejRMpzsOWoUX7nhNQBrbiBanGIu%2BGGyhehq19EAe1LGTrwDmIZyhBl107%2BdBDT1qTk3liTZO%2FLoOLouRfBZI%2B08%2FJkV6IfzThMVAiUsBj1bdtKi00Riy7geFiyl3f4MC0FP14exAeZeYHrE1G1T0bAV7j4DeHBulPnJVujsx%2BY6H3uUpj7kS0dlFinkK8yjW1SU6VxjBbfTUITGqjzbH7QEmFJgl8l5YXzv3olwRiVl4hWCMVVSpxc%2BBprxwqvTBrUAsMG%2FtzXaQ2ZN2pbGbfALHvMZ9xCs7BK6e56%2Fm%2BkRnBPu5U4b3ia2euupaLUr7h3lLCteTAmY6qoQNQ%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Parents are the cornerstone of our<a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-glue-that-binds-a-family-together--building-a-family-legacy" title="family history" type="family history"> family history</a>, shaping our upbringing and molding us into the people we become. They hold a wealth of stories and experiences worth preserving and cherishing. Engaging with your parents through meaningful conversations strengthens familial bonds and provides profound insights into your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/your-guide-to-writing-your-personal-narrative" title="family history" type="family history">personal narrative</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Whether you're seeking to document your family history or just gain a deeper understanding of your roots, asking the right questions is critical. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">At <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="family history" type="family history">My Stories Matter</a>, we understand the importance of capturing your family history, which is why we've compiled a list of 30 best questions to ask your parents, ensuring that their stories continue to <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-passing-down-life-lessons--how-my-stories-matter-can-help" title="family history" type="family history">resonate for generations</a>.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Questions To Ask Your Parents: Childhood or Upbringing</b></h2>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What was the earliest memory you can recall?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Can you share a funny or memorable story from your school days?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Did you have any childhood nicknames, and what was the story behind them?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Who were your role models growing up, and how did they influence you?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What values were emphasized in your household when you were young?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What were your aspirations and dreams for the future when you were a child?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Can you recall a significant challenge you faced during your upbringing, and how did you overcome it?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Describe your family's traditions and rituals. Which ones do you remember most fondly?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What was your relationship like with <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/25-best-questions-to-ask-your-grandparents" title="family history" type="family history">your parents</a>, and what lessons did they teach you?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">How did you spend your free time as a child, and what activities brought you joy?</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Questions To Ask Your Parents: Love and Relationships</b></h2>
<ol start="11">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Share the story of how you met your partner/spouse. What drew you to each other?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a couple, and how did you navigate them?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Reflect on the evolution of your relationship over the years. How have you grown up together?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What are the most important qualities you admire in each other?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What do you believe is the key to maintaining a strong and healthy family dynamic?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What advice would you give to your younger selves about love and relationships?</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Questions To Ask Your Parents: Parenthood </b></h2>
<ol start="17">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">How did becoming parents change your relationship and your perspective on life?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Describe your proudest moments as parents. What accomplishments or milestones stand out to you?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">How do you balance parenthood with your personal and professional lives?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What lessons did you learn from your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/25-best-questions-to-ask-your-grandparents" title="family history" type="family history">own parents</a> about raising children?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Can you share a cherished memory from when I was very young?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Describe your favorite moments spent with me during my early years.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What values or lessons did you hope to instill in me during my formative years?</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Questions To Ask Your Parents: Changing Perspective </b></h2>
<ol start="24">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Reflect on significant historical events that occurred during your lifetime. How did they shape your worldview?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What societal changes have you witnessed, and how do you feel about them?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">What concerns do you have about the future, both for your family and the world at large?</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Asking these questions opens the door to a wealth of memories, experiences, and insights that form the foundation of your family history. Each conversation is an opportunity to connect with your parents on a deeper level and to gain a greater appreciation for the journey that has brought you to where you are today. So, take the time to listen, learn, and document these precious moments in your family history. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Document Your Family History on My Stories Matter</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Why not try a free way to document your family history at My Stories Matter, which empowers you to: </b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Discover inspiration: Delve deeper with additional Prompts, including visuals and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/tapping-into-memories-with-music" title="family history" type="family history">nostalgic music</a>, to make the storytelling experience effortless and fun for your parents.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Preserve it securely: Safeguard your family history in the cloud, ensuring they're accessible to authorized family members anytime, anywhere.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Collaborate as a family: Invite extended family members to contribute their own stories, weaving together a collective tapestry of <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/sharing-memories--5-unique-ways-you-haven't-thought-of" title="family history" type="family history">shared memories</a> and experiences.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-glue-that-binds-a-family-together--building-a-family-legacy" title="family history" type="family history">Leave a lasting legacy</a>: My Stories Matter helps you immortalize your family history in a beautiful and engaging format that future generations will treasure.</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">My Stories Matter can also help you create a stunning <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/memory-book" title="family history" type="family history">publication-worthy book</a>, ensuring that your family history is preserved in a tangible and timeless format.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-addeb775-7fff-4108-2396-56663a091bd1">Don't let these precious moments slip away—start preserving your family history today. Visit <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="family history" type="family history">My Stories Matter</a> to learn more and embark on the journey of a lifetime.</b></p>


Exploring Your Family History: 26 Questions to Ask Your Parents

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Grandparents are the custodians of our family history, holding a wealth of stories and experiences that enrich our lives. Yet, these stories can fade away as time passes if not shared and preserved. Engaging with grandparents through meaningful conversations not only strengthens family bonds but also provides invaluable insights into your heritage. Whether you're compiling a family tree, creating a legacy project, or simply seeking to deepen your connection, these questions to ask your grandparents will unlock a treasure trove of memories! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">At <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" type="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents">My Stories Matter</a>, we’ve researched what makes for good questions that are both easy to answer and provide meaningful responses.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Here are the 25 best questions to ask your grandparents, ensuring their stories <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-passing-down-life-lessons--how-my-stories-matter-can-help/" title="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" type="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents">continue and resonate</a> with your children and grandchildren.  </b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23861" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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    <img alt="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" title="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202024-03-06T160954.220.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331702&amp;Signature=eRIKNRYJW%2FaS2mZwq%2BtbVi3iEvsoiPGOfUrbBYMXx6v%2BC9ZITyhvQHoYxiE9qf%2F3mImTabGpgR4LCEfi%2BxxomZHrL24nAsKt0UwdgAiUxHt4D80dxt2QTIr905%2FYAHMFVe4ldYO6fav%2BdtA5U0kCUgeiqmmi3rOJXFcOQV9z4Yr8aXOlnUuNeXr9Rl5kkSdohtBZAPBdhV46QNUWb%2FAaQopx5acXBmsVDnYGZ08sOmLVGQMAtQwaraxHmxPbT5g2iIZ%2FSuCagxoz5I%2FCJWVXNbJ0vgKz%2FsDlYEwJCO6svymfBHSIEtmcj3YzdyjmaHu%2F%2F4bQ44QRkhcqFlbKFC1aZA%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Questions to Ask Grandparents: Childhood and Upbringing</b></h2>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What was your favorite memory of being a child?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What games did you play with your friends?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Did you have any nicknames growing up? How did you get them?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What was your school experience like? Tell me about your favorite teacher.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What was a big challenge you faced during your childhood?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What traditions did your family celebrate?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What values were instilled in you by your parents or grandparents?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Did you dream about a specific career when you were young? What happened to that dream?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What was your first job like? What lessons did you learn from it?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What was a significant technological advancement you witnessed growing up?</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
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    <img alt="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" title="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202024-03-06T161103.319.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331702&amp;Signature=cRVmh0Ccp50dPsk8wOVtrpw1ztDC6ivPxlsgpn0tGdX11b4lRPn7%2FjSDmxzuq3%2Fv9aY90Gz%2BAe8v0hJAGHXqYxwP6F7oUDSGYsaeXvVAOw6ca3bzcDxZklMXMTjN8JvvgXY%2FIt4Nq5bLEKX3ltphZcfxJPGmrar0hzd9Baxjkx8Uk%2FaF4QN7yYVcn3cw73lB5g7WxRFSWKpa4vBeHvR4blvHJ7cbdR0FEZkeajYvbgqTiUKGihPqfigSIfCZzZXfDS03nPBm5%2Bc0mETnnY2Yu5jZh0vJbIk5Twn6xWNH5C3Ku2AkXl5zj4fSsnqPSugF%2BJ2JjrmB%2BF5dpHP4xLcRzA%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Questions to Ask Grandparents: Love and Relationships </b></h2>
<ol start="11">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Tell me about the story of how you met your spouse.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What were some of the most romantic gestures you made for each other?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What qualities did you cherish most in your partner?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What was a big challenge you faced as a couple?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What advice would you give to someone starting a new relationship?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">How did your family life change with the arrival of children?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Tell me about your proudest moments as parents.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned from your parents?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What does family mean to you?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What makes a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship?</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
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</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Questions to Ask Grandparents: World Events</b></h2>
<ol start="21">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What major historical events do you remember vividly?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">How did these events impact your life and your community?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What should young people know about these events?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What concerns do you have for the future?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">What change are you happy to have seen in your lifetime?</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Is there anything you wish you could tell your younger self?</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">These are just starting points. Let the conversation flow organically, allowing your grandparents to share their unique stories and perspectives. Encourage them to elaborate and reminisce, painting a vivid picture of their past. </b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23864" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Record Their Answers on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Now, where to record their answers? <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/preserve-memory" title="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" type="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents">My Stories Matter</a> offers the key to unlocking this extraordinary potential, FOR FREE!</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">My Stories Matter empowers you to:</b></p>
<ul>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Find inspiration: Find even more prompts (with pictures!), play <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/why-you-prefer-nostalgic-songs-from-your-teenage-years/" title="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" type="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents">nostalgic songs</a> for your grandparents, and make the journey of reminiscing fun for you and them.</b></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Preserve it securely: Store their stories safely and securely in the cloud, accessible to authorized family members anytime, anywhere.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Collaborate as a family: Invite extended family to contribute, weaving a collective tapestry of shared memories.</b></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Leave a lasting legacy: <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-glue-that-binds-a-family-together--building-a-family-legacy/" title="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" type="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents">Pass down your family's history</a> in a beautiful, engaging format that future generations will cherish.</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">If you want more than just a digital legacy, My Stories Matter can also create a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/memory-book" title="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" type="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents">publication-worthy book</a>. All you have to do is share your grandparent’s stories, and we’ll handle the rest! You get to: </b></p>
<ul>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Choose from a variety of fonts, colors, and styles to find the perfect look.</b></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Restore and colorize images from the past.</b></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">And more!</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Expert designers will ensure their memories are preserved in a publication-worthy book.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">Here's what our previous clients are saying about My Stories Matter’s book quality: </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">“The book arrived in excellent condition. Everything about it screams quality, from the binding, photo quality, formatting, and paper thickness. When I was turning the pages, each page felt like two because of the quality of the paper. Thank you for bringing the project to fruition.” </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2435d6f-7fff-678b-6d3f-19a713ff1f31">There’s no downside to trying it FOR FREE! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/preserve-memory" title="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents" type="Questions to Ask Your Grandparents">Capture a Lifetime of Memories in Minutes</a>! </b></p>


25 Best Questions to Ask Your Grandparents

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<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Memoir writing is a powerful tool for expressing yourself, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/discover-why-your-stories-matter/" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">sharing your story</a>, and influencing the world. Yet, memoir writing can also evoke feelings of trepidation: “Is my life story truly worth sharing?” “Am I interesting enough?” “How to write a memoir?” <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-top-7-excuses-family-give-for-not-telling-their-stories/" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">These worries are common</a>, but they don't need to stop you from <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/enhancing-your-life-stories--writing-tips-and-techniques" title="how to write a memoir" type="how to write a memoir">sharing your story</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">We've outlined some crucial tips to help you answer “How to write a Memoir.” Let’s dive in!</b></p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">What Is a Memoir? </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">What distinguishes a memoir from an autobiography or a biography? There are <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/10-differences-between-a-memoir-and-an-autobiography" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">many differences</a>. Unlike an autobiography, which often covers the author's entire life, a memoir focuses on a specific theme or period. It’s more than just a chronological recounting of events; it’s about sharing the emotions, lessons, and transformations these experiences taught the author.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">There are so <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/16-reasons-to-write-your-memoir" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">many reasons to write your memoir</a>, but how to write a memoir? Examples of famous memoirs include: </b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela%27s_Ashes" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">Angela’s Ashes</a> by Frank Mccourt</b></p>
</li>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Becoming_(book)" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">Becoming</a> by Michelle Obama </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_and_Out_in_Paris_and_London" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">Down and Out in Paris and London</a> by George Orwell </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Know_Why_the_Caged_Bird_Sings" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings</a> by Maya Angelou </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_(memoir)" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">Wild</a> by Cheryl Strayed </b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2"><a href="https://wordsrated.com/autobiography-sales-statistics/#:~:text=Memoirs%20and%20biographies%20for%20young,over%20the%20Q1%20of%202020" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">Memoirs and biographies for young adults grew 26% in sales revenue over the last 5 years</a>.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2"><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/15/entertainment/celebrity-memoirs-publishing-popular/index.html" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">Celebrity memoirs</a>, for example, are booming right now more than ever. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">And all these memoirists <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-memoir-ideas-to-jumpstart-your-life-story" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">started</a> somewhere. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">How to Write a Memoir: Pro Tips </b></h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">1. Tell the Truth.</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Honesty is most important. Your story's authenticity hinges on your willingness to reveal truths, even if they are uncomfortable or challenging. You don’t have to expose every detail of your life, but it does involve being truthful about the experiences you want people to know. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">The most compelling memoirs are those that are unflinchingly honest. Honesty fosters a deep connection with your readers, allowing them to see the real you behind the words. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Memoir writing is not just about recounting factual details but also about <a href="https://writeitsideways.com/telling-the-truth-in-memoir-more-than-just-facts/" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">conveying the emotional truth of your experiences</a>. </b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">2. Narrow Down Your Memoir’s Focus: Choosing a Theme.</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Ask yourself, who are you writing for? Is it for family and friends, to preserve personal history? Or is it for a broader audience, sharing big lessons through your unique experiences? Knowing your audience guides your tone, language, and depth of detail. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Next, narrow your focus to avoid an overwhelming narrative (which is an autobiography.) Start by choosing a theme, such as a pivotal life event, a transformation, a challenge you overcame, or a relationship. With <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">My Stories Matter’s “Collections” feature</a>, you can organize memories to act as the chapters of your memoir. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">What do you want others to take away from your memoir? What do you want them to realize? For example, Anne Frank in "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diary_of_a_Young_Girl" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">The Diary of a Young Girl</a>" shares her poignant experiences during the Holocaust. Nelson Mandela in "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Walk_to_Freedom" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">Long Walk to Freedom</a>" details his struggle against apartheid. "<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/328398/the-story-of-my-life-by-helen-keller/" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">The Story of My Life</a>" by Helen Keller explores overcoming disabilities, and "<a href="https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/eat-pray-love/" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">Eat, Pray, Love</a>" by Elizabeth Gilbert depicts a journey of self-discovery.</b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">3. Put Your Readers in Your Shoes.</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">The essence of memoir writing lies in making your experiences resonate with your readers. It's about transforming personal anecdotes into universal truths.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Begin by painting your world - the smells, sounds, and sights surrounding you in key moments. Use vivid language. Pretend the reader is experiencing everything you were experiencing at the time. As they say, the devil is in the details!</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Use your emotions as a bridge; whether it's joy, sorrow, or fear, these are feelings everyone understands. When the reader starts to see parts of themselves in your story, that’s when you’ve formed a real connection with them, which is the essence of <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-surprising-facts-about-storytelling" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">storytelling</a> and memoir writing! </b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">4. Employ Elements of Fiction in Your Memoir.</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Incorporating <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-surprising-facts-about-storytelling" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">elements of fiction</a> will enrich your memoir, keeping your readers engaged. This doesn't mean altering facts, but rather, using literary techniques to deepen the reader's experience. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">For example, create a setting as a novelist would, with details that transport readers to your world. Develop characters, including yourself, with complexity, depth, and inner conflicts. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Your memoir is a story, after all. Your story. And, when telling your life story, it’s important to structure it with a compelling narrative arc (introducing tensions and building to climax.) YOU are the main character, so what is your main conflict? Your goal is to transform personal memories into a journey that others can't put down - just like any page-turner!</b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">5. Begin a Story at the End. </b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Want a good hook that will immediately grab the reader? Start where most stories end. By revealing a big moment upfront, you create an intimate bond with your audience, inviting them into your world from the first line. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/40332-what-we-call-the-beginning-is-often-the-end-and" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">T. S. Eliot</a> even said: “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.”</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">This approach also clarifies the core message of your memoir, setting the stage for a journey of reflection and discovery. Strive to make your opening paragraph captivating. It should not only grab attention but also promise a worthwhile story, making your reader eager to uncover how you reached this moment in your life journey.</b></p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">6. Add Others’ Related Memories. Don’t Skimp on the Details and Dialogue.</b></h3>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-creative-ways-to-reach-out-to-an-old-family-member-or-friend" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">Reach out</a> to family, friends, or colleagues who were part of your story. Ask for their recollections and how they felt during those moments. When you include these accounts, pay close attention to details and dialogues. Capturing their words or describing the environment will <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-bring-a-memory-to-life" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">bring your story to life</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Incorporating memories from others who shared your experiences will also add depth and perspective to your memoir writing experience. You could censor their names if you want to protect their privacy. If they don’t mind, we recommend collaborating with your family or friends on <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">My Stories Matter</a>. This way, you’ll be keeping their version of what happened in your memoir. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">You can easily do this on <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">My Stories Matter</a> using the “Collaboration” feature to bridge memory gaps and capture different perspectives of shared memories. This function is designed to facilitate group contributions to a collective memory or story.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Memoir Writing on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">My Stories Matter’s website and mobile app will help you remember and record the important people, places, and experiences in your life. Here are just a few of the several features to assist with your memoir writing: </b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Concierge Interviews &amp; Life Stories Book: Talk about your stories, and we’ll handle the rest! Your dedicated concierge coordinates interviews and oversees a skilled team to craft a beautiful legacy keepsake that you and your family will cherish for generations. You then get to choose from a variety of fonts, colors, and styles to find your perfect look. Expert designers ensure your memories are preserved in a publication-worthy book.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Writing Helper: We transform your brief email responses to our Prompts into beautiful stories.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Book Creation: Write down your memories on <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">My Stories Matter</a>, and then pick which ones to include in your book.  </b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-95c4c60b-7fff-6b78-0f05-ca64991cf0f2">Whether you prefer a more hands-on approach or need assistance in recalling and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/enhancing-your-life-stories--writing-tips-and-techniques" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">writing your life stories</a>, My Stories Matter offers a range of options to help you in your memoir writing journey! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir writing" type="memoir writing">Sign up for free</a> today. </b></p>


How to Write A Memoir

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about the perfect gift for your significant other, friend, or family member! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">According to the <a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/confident-consumers-and-broader-buying-lead-record-valentines-day" title="Nostalgic gifts" type="Nostalgic gifts">National Retail Federation</a>, most people spend the most on jewelry on Valentine’s Day, not just cards and candy. But why not switch things up this year with a gift that will bring joy long after the holiday has passed?</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">A nostalgic gift is the ultimate way to show your love and appreciation for your loved ones. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Whether it's reliving childhood memories, revisiting old memories with a loved one, or simply reflecting on life experiences, nostalgia brings happiness to our lives. Like that lingering scent of your mother’s perfume long after she left the room, or that nutty aroma of baked pecan pie. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Here are some top nostalgic gift ideas for this Valentine’s Day!</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23849" class="file file-image file-image-png">

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    <img title="Nostalgic gifts" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/post%20%289%29.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=ShXGfDCTQogqKM44emmwPDwRUgXx68ni8Hgw%2BbSQmzDZUNEynyCdV50vCksqO%2BntcfaXx8zfRKJmGKtHOPf4gnuZeOrpxgwCGAMX%2BTWU1Gn0ehLbvSVCxa%2B9Q1OztxWDyURyHpFJ2kkykpMmlkPH81rEfqt2%2Fsz6xGxQQNHMOD5VSlXAqhmnFmQ0GO9rpHi9hW4rwy%2BCjyDqsA2%2FgKXX7W6T1nVWTn%2FsHVNIi19%2BfP5eqpKP37JIa9GLUkdZz1iejeo4qRkV46CHs0UmloTuaeyKRPsjzKAZ9Vxd5h2ku%2BS1oiGPLysWFxyQw2jSUpnViwruD90tMkkDsOppSbuO8w%3D%3D" alt="Life stories book" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">1. A Life Stories Book</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">With My Stories Matter, you can create a custom <a href="https://book.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Nostalgic gifts" type="Nostalgic gifts">Life Stories Book</a> tailored to your relationship, personalizing every aspect, from the cover to the pages. You can include memories from your first date or trip together, special events, or those random, everyday moments that mean the world to you. But, how does it work? </b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Step 1: Choose from a variety of fonts, colors, and styles to find your perfect look.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Step 2: Share your stories, and restore and colorize images for your book.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Step 3: Get your precious keepsake that will be cherished for generations!</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">According to <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/curiosity/best-holiday-gifts-and-gifting-stats/" title="Nostalgic gifts" type="Nostalgic gifts">polls</a>, 71% of respondents believe that "it's the thought that counts" when it comes to gifting. What says “I’m thinking of you” more than a Life Stories Book tailored specifically for them? </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">2. MSM Concierge Service</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Another amazing gift is the <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/concierge-life-stories" title="Nostalgic gifts" type="Nostalgic gifts">My Stories Matter Concierge Service</a>. Your dedicated My Stories Matter concierge coordinates interviews and oversees a skilled team to craft a beautiful legacy keepsake that you and your family will cherish for generations. How does that happen? In just three steps: </b></p>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Step 1: Meet with a concierge to plan your memoir and interview times.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Step 2: Your interviewer helps you recall life’s special people and moments.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Step 3: Your memories will be expertly crafted into your own Life Stories Book.</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23850" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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    <img title="Nostalgic gifts" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="9" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202024-02-07T131120.505.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=jPAgeLZNdgLeYh9EuEAdaTwBByF1GmXrzNWYNTWBCq2VhgZf40jagkoz7GWC2t1xHJBQn6cEdPxCINJAcYTyBnWuwhq60%2BvxJW%2Bo5cQitSTUpznCU%2FYEyhj5pqx%2FgrzhM8V9EKTx14KUoKWaMzmraKsk5EjPyt3ptYJvFBxCeLyZGIGy2%2FWacOYisKvs7XTzlKVXe2R8D77kIyULWy8ec5TO9lg5tyiWbLiA%2BFwpIyLqA10UrqbKhWL0Mksz0TAOWMLGJ0U2JKjBwdhxZoBLS8%2B6zA%2B7%2FevaS6oI5UEVrgWG%2FVYitIqr64q4yDyJLa%2B4%2FbhN3p6Fx7%2Bl%2FEqcCNnhFA%3D%3D" alt="time capsule" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">3. A Time Capsule</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">A time capsule represents a particular moment you can <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/sharing-memories--5-unique-ways-you-haven't-thought-of" title="Nostalgic gifts" type="Nostalgic gifts">share</a> and look back on in the future. You can fill the time capsule with letters, photographs, medals, and more! Whether buried in the backyard or stored in a safe place, a time capsule is a timeless gift (pun intended) that your significant other will cherish for years, preserving your love. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23851" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2024-02-07t131300905jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2024-02-07T131300.905.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="10" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202024-02-07T131300.905.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=UJI7DcoHXAJ6V6DEkCzcmfR9dH8KX1Qtd23W%2Bx2bYU6cC3VXM6MnpePS%2BDWx8LC%2BObqrrNw%2BUjLwZ%2FyGvGBFIMObNo4q%2FiZs4fsVjir1aHf9kTo83pPdAidAyediYlos9M9u%2FN1uwKSLWkayHgrvARUnT6x5O54d7PFZey6WMYmyPlQms5Z0swQ0eUVvVmtl4cCfu%2BmgZvl3KDdcnUdOfqA6AL6hD1UqkZbtG%2FOW4HY3m1EUsU12%2BajXeoqNq4KcD12wXfAne4liipnVXcF%2FkwSlHoODnoIAZRJpnWfLy5rTikH4mW2bx%2B1oRiKV3uKnDvVuVeVhIIv6vsbJqaCnHw%3D%3D" alt="A box of sweets" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">4. A Retro Sweets Box Hamper</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Everyone loves a sweet treat, (especially on Valentine’s Day), and a hamper of nostalgic sweets is sure to bring back memories. It could be a jar of boiled sweets, a box of chocolate bars, or candied yams. Research indicates that <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/scent-of-a-memory-and-the-proust-effect" title="Nostalgic gifts" type="Nostalgic gifts">scents trigger long-ago memories</a>! Smells that evoke happy autobiographical memories <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5039451/" title="Nostalgic gifts" type="Nostalgic gifts">increase positive emotions</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5039451/" title="Nostalgic gifts" type="Nostalgic gifts">diminish negative moods</a>. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23852" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2024-02-07t131451991jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2024-02-07T131451.991.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img title="Nostalgic gifts" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="11" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202024-02-07T131451.991.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=NHnZUqylf2Iydzr0NU3GJ2ZXJkif1cM6jgFPTsCeGlddPj5mfTYBBt4gjcydnG9lPu2LKOR325h9vA7uSFUzPElefe%2Fnwvw0XJWzCmUrdVXjmQ7PanhsLCiR14aYCXDKPVeKQPuyRtMOj%2F6%2FvtxijfcIzcGcdkZMN3amWXGQvuCphwJFS821au9uoLHki%2Fy4WhPk%2FFcPIxJyQsB4V6g7%2B5jJrOMmSPhsLfPCt%2BERtv1h6ypJlKuorMg7Y8Kj%2Bnw8To8Cpoxtz%2BlKGZp%2FjAWKDfmUfIXHMR1Y9i71q61SOfHJ%2FrtYrl1RNzX%2Fv81IB4CLdOuNCU65ULcJ5a8JSn9n%2BQ%3D%3D" alt="A basket of movies" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">5. A Movie Night Basket</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Creating a movie night basket is another fun way to bring back memories of your past. For a fun and relaxed evening, fill a basket with your favorite movies, popcorn, sweets, and drinks, and start reminiscing about your past. Then watch your favorite film, surrounded by candlelight!</b></p>
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        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2024-02-07t131615856jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2024-02-07T131615.856.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img title="Nostalgic gifts" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="12" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202024-02-07T131615.856.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=RZrAXC0sOSFhO5rp%2FJY5h1yI2Py9KfOzt8xn1iDmo4vcDEU0HjfrqdcfEUdjllpVHDVkg%2BHe70ylKNFAN6ExhDV8Dd%2BzQ%2F4NfBcpOQaoYunUwVIynS3s782Uqg%2FyrqD%2BenVF24jsTG4R8KVK88ZJm0bnfaYkmKjL5j3goaytfgdSHpGh8mIr7BJcV4r8qLxQExMmCeiHOYHnvRlv1YgIGaE15kWRaO0V5WatXAdngf4cKRhqwEaaOvnPz5dMEr94kPjx22A5%2B5%2F6umHVeFxpnsz%2FHPZN3yrIoCFQHt5PRm3rR6Bklg97Ahd10EuJpdNjfcrDSlTsZ5j1z%2BICnuhDFA%3D%3D" alt="A Polaroid Camera" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">6. A Polaroid Camera</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">If you're looking for a unique and fun way to capture memories, a Polaroid camera is a great choice. These cameras provide instant gratification with a tangible print that can be added to a scrapbook or on the fridge! This is a great way to create a collection of candid and spontaneous moments you <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/how-relive-memory" title="Nostalgic gifts" type="Nostalgic gifts">can look back</a> on in the future. Then, you add the photos you take into your Life Stories Book, which will be enhanced just the way you like them! You can also upload these images to the My Stories Matter app or website. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-23854" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2024-02-07t132031113jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2024-02-07T132031.113.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img title="Nostalgic gifts" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="13" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202024-02-07T132031.113.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=Y%2F7uE%2BWk%2F0yxglhZvGVO6WLx3C%2FNl2inp6eSZyq%2Fqu2zKu4rk%2BPcpS2%2FCtkwfSfHrNSCgYqj0VIM6MavdVvF4jnAl8f3E%2BT9%2FV3MrxJE7RtxP2CqEavN43DTtQdDH4tCZ3iyjY1Z2jeDajkGr0jOY7rr9TcrCLhwYSsSQA2shQPoCcLaw7pG2p9aTIWGZd7EuIUmtG%2BhG%2FO1SorjUH5NdmH34RHdBDqeps820t6s3cHnry2YOKzmgb6NXrV6ITvpbNJx8ApF7YNPV%2FAg4JIQl2HmHg%2FkZhIP44oExsvBE5hQYAUra6vCNfj0Lk%2BdOhkB7f76aCY3J8N3y6vaLcGGFA%3D%3D" alt="writing" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">7. A Romantic Night Writing Memories Together</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">My Stories Matter is the perfect site to write precious memories you both share. First, whip out the hot chocolate and tarts and nestle together in front of the fireplace. How did your love story begin? </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">My Stories Matter invites you to chronicle every laugh, adventure, and tender moment of your relationship. Whether it's recounting the thrill of your first date, the moment you realized “he’s the one!” or those random, every day, sweet moments, we offer a sanctuary where your memories are preserved and celebrated. On this special day, let the act of writing together deepen your bond!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">The Power of Nostalgia on My Stories Matter</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">While there are many modern gifts to choose from, some of the best gifts to give on Valentine's Day bring back memories of the past. These nostalgic gifts are not just ordinary presents; they are personal, and sentimental and evoke happiness, joy, and love. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">Nostalgic gifts are a great way to show your loved ones how much you care by returning them to the memories they cherish. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d5fa404-7fff-434c-1eee-9e119afee863">For more ideas on preserving special memories or connecting with a loved one, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Nostalgic gifts" type="Nostalgic gifts">sign up for free</a> at My Stories Matter! </b></p>


Top Nostalgic Gifts For Valentine’s Day 2024

<p> </p>

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">As the new year approaches, it's the perfect time to gather with loved ones and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking for traditional activities or something a little creative, here are some top 8 ways to celebrate the holidays with family and friends!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">1. Have a Baking Day</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">There's nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies to get everyone in the holiday spirit, so gather your family and friends for a day of baking! This is a fun way to bond and enjoy different treats, from traditional gingerbread to innovative new recipes. After all, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/pass-the-memories,-please--preserving-your-family's-food-stories" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">food evokes long-lost memories</a>, making the day even more nostalgic! Those <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/scent-of-a-memory-and-the-proust-effect" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">delicious smells</a> take you back to warm memories. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">2. Host a Themed Party</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">Choose a fun theme that excites everyone. Examples include a roaring '20s party, a pajama party, or a futuristic party to welcome the next year in style. Encourage guests to dress according to the theme and decorate your space to match. If you can't be physically together, host a virtual party. Use video calls to connect with those far away, play online games, and count down to the new year together.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">3. Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">Secret Santa is a delightful way to exchange gifts and add an element of surprise to your celebrations. Similar to White Elephant gifts, it's fun and helps manage the holiday budget. There’s less pressure and just as much holiday magic!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">4. Arrange a Holiday Movie Marathon</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">For a more relaxed celebration, host a movie marathon with all-time favorite films or new releases. What are your favorites? Elf, Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember, Scrooged? Don't forget the popcorn, hot chocolate, and blankets for a comfy night!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">5. Create DIY Decorations</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">Get creative and make your decorations! This activity is especially great for families with children. It’s a fun way to engage everyone’s creativity and decorate your home with personal touches. From making ornaments to creating your own Christmas and New Year’s cards, an afternoon of crafting is a peaceful and enjoyable way to spend time together. Or you can create a memory jar where everyone can drop notes about their favorite moments from the past year. Read them out loud during the party, reflecting on the good times. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">6. Enjoy Outdoor Activities</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">If you live in a place where it snows, take advantage of it. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or go sledding. After the day’s activities, gather around the fireplace, roast marshmallows, or even have a barbeque, and share stories under the starlit sky.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">7. Share Stories and Memories on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">Use these New Year gatherings as an opportunity to <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/sharing-memories--5-unique-ways-you-haven't-thought-of" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">share fond memories</a>. Encourage family members to recount their favorite stories, evoking laughter, tears, and a deeper connection. You can even <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-reasons-to-record-your-life" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">record these stories</a> on My Stories Matter to preserve them for future generations! Collaborate, add photos, and much more, to fill in the pieces of past and current holiday family <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-creating-family-memories%C2%A0" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">memories</a>. Learn about all the <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/my-stories-matter%E2%80%99s-major-upgrade---coming-soon!" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">latest features</a> we have to offer and <a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">sign up</a> today!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">8. Create a Life Stories Book on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c99470e7-7fff-fc34-c2de-4becfd0a5ced">What’s better than a scrapbook? A <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/a-celebration-of-life-stories-book" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">Life Stories Book</a>! These are tailored to <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/8-creative-ways-to-keep-the-memory-of-a-loved-one-alive" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">keeping memories alive</a>. It’s a fun and collaborative family project, where everyone contributes. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>From watching the ball drop in Times Square on TV to lighting sparklers or banging pots and pans at midnight, remember that the best way to celebrate the New Year is in a way that brings happiness and warmth to you and your loved ones. Visit <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">My Stories Matter</a> for <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-best-tips-for-capturing-life-stories" title="Celebrate the holidays" type="Celebrate the holidays">more ideas</a> on making the most of your holiday season and creating lasting memories!</b></p>


What are the Top Ways to Celebrate the Holidays with Family and Friends?

<p> </p>

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</div></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-09adf60d-7fff-cac1-9a49-8a28a62cb6c4">As humans, we are wired to connect through stories. Personal narratives are a powerful way to share your experiences and connect with your readers. In this blog article, we will explore how to write a compelling personal narrative that resonates with your readers and helps you build meaningful connections.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">A personal narrative is a story about a personal experience or event. It is told from the writer's perspective and often includes sensory details that help bring the story to life. Personal narratives can be used to explore various topics, from overcoming challenges to travel experiences to family history. Famous examples include classics like “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diary_of_a_Young_Girl" title="Personal narrative" type="Personal narrative">Diary of a Young Girl</a>,” by Anne Frank, “<a href="https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks12/1203811h.html" title="Personal narrative" type="Personal narrative">The Death of the Moth</a>” by Virginia Woolf, and “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bossypants" title="Personal narrative" type="Personal narrative">Bossypants</a>” by Tina Fey. Read on to find out how to write your very own personal narrative!</b></p>
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Choosing a Topic for Your Personal Narrative</b></h1>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">The first step in writing a personal narrative is choosing a topic. Think about a personal experience that has profoundly impacted you or that you feel strongly about. It could be a life-changing moment, a significant relationship, or a period of personal growth.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">If you’re having trouble, think about </b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Some obstacles you faced</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">The funny stories that your family members tell about you</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">A moment where your worldview changed </b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Consider what you want your readers to take away from your story when choosing a topic. What lesson or message do you want to share? How can your personal experience help others who may be going through similar situations? <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Personal narrative" type="Personal narrative">My Stories Matter</a> offers excellent prompts to kickstart your writing and what topic you want to focus on. </b></p>
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    <img alt="Personal narrative " title="Life Stories" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-06-30T154219.874.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=jOXGVm6OdwS5XU%2FUHUhn9%2BfbnP8hP8hlMdIewnYu1n0AjEa%2FnMSf8iUPFbA9U2DOt3NQtzXo4b1cbcBEstfxdxdV2KfbLYjJI90PVDVckMJwQm8RlwlOIvr8XTSyfOhecI08CGTH7i%2Bqb1OODnJKS8XdQUZdoL%2BHIRWxW2ofBBjnA8tEirzZlWdO7YYWCfvUQt3zsGRNns8s5dgVhOyztyft7SVx0nENzMmC5TkQXXKrwvVT2nDmW1RN7hopq6%2Bunbq63%2FYA7VAhuHHUK7Jaw%2FFa8LU%2B2X8IzQfaAjKwVIXpHcKd1Pw7jBopEWEo09C5MC2ZjPPUfRd1B%2BtboSK1nw%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Tips for Writing a Successful Personal Narrative</b></h1>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Once you have a topic, it's time to start writing your personal narrative. Here are some <a href="https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Personal%20Narrative%20Essays.pdf" title="Personal narrative" type="Personal narrative">tips</a> to help you write a successful story:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Use sensory details: Use descriptive language that appeals to the five senses to help bring your story to life. This will help your readers visualize the experience and feel like they are with you, or even better, they are you</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Focus on a specific moment: Rather than covering an entire event or period, focus on a specific moment that significantly impacted you. This will help you delve deeper into the emotions and thoughts accompanying that moment.</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Show, don't tell: Instead of simply stating how you feel, show your readers through your actions, thoughts, and dialogue. This will help them better understand your experience and feel more connected to you as a writer.</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Write Your Personal Narrative On My Stories Matter</b></h1>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">Sharing your personal narrative is a vulnerable and incredibly rewarding experience. By sharing your story, you can build connections with readers who may have had similar experiences or can relate to your message.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">When sharing your personal narrative, consider the platform you will use. One option is to use My Stories Matter. My Stories Matter provides a safe and supportive community for writers. You can engage with like-minded peers crafting their narratives and bounce ideas off each other and get feedback. However, unlike other social media apps, you are in charge of who sees your writing–even if the answer is no one–due to our sincere respect for privacy. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995">In addition, My Stories Matter offers various prompts and writing exercises that inspire creativity and self-reflection, such as our Writing Helper! These tools help you delve deeper into your memories, emotions, and perspectives, enabling you to weave compelling narratives. Learn <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/enhancing-your-life-stories--writing-tips-and-techniques" title="personal narrative" type="personal narrative">more writing tips</a>, as well. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-afb9b160-7fff-df71-38cc-673d36d66995"><a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Life Stories" type="Life Stories">Sign up</a> for free today and let the narration begin!</b></p>


Easy Guide to Writing Your Personal Narrative

<h1><strong>Pass the Memories, Please: Preserving Your Family's Food Stories</strong></h1>
<p>Food is more than just the sustenance of life. Food memories can <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/scent-of-a-memory-and-the-proust-effect/" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>transport us back to a specific time and place, evoking emotions and reminding us of special moments</u></a>. Whether it's a family recipe or a favorite restaurant dish, preserving these food memories is important for <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-glue-that-binds-a-family-together--building-a-family-legacy" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>passing down traditions</u></a> and creating a sense of connection to our past. </p>
<p>Read on for unique ideas for preserving your food memories!</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default"><div id="file-21223" class="file file-image file-image-png">

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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Picture1.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=YWkUr835iFcuoQpOXza%2BSUMKllR6KPGv%2B7pkVEHo2Nd492BqMiAg%2BPm5Dyth3KJsvZxZjoEv4O2BEP%2FUW6c3naaKB%2FCS1lRSuAsBw3ZMuHrjLzpqmRorJ6INyuqBgxfO6raeTaD3%2F6DNrJk4fzcwFbfAJ61zHlfry0RbM4ZsDZUJ3z2Du2TuZ10fSEKjT6sr662gB9cIV3r8KtIMfcTJyz1T7F9nPQ4a3FHQnRV5nF%2BnBo%2BHmSEtvmxWmJq6aUfkUkeBc9TahN9mllZJcvufCKY1chfYQws37zxYK8fQxA5YXc7WeLKvB8lvJcyfgV6EipY%2FRqMdzuk1%2FnREsVyR5Q%3D%3D" width="720" height="960" alt="Hungarian potato pasta" />  </div>

  
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<h2><b>Create a Family Recipe Book</b></h2>
<p>Gather recipes from family members, including those passed down from previous generations, and compile them into a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-create-a-life-stories-book%C2%A0" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>family recipe book</u></a>! </p>
<p>Examples: </p>
<ul>
<li>A <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/7-fun-ways-to-connect-with-family-during-the-holidays-152777" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>holiday meal</u></a> (Grandma’s special Thanksgiving stuffing recipe or key lime pie)</li>
<li>Birthday dinner (That unique cake with gummy bears and chocolate mousse everyone loves)</li>
<li>Family dinner (a party barbeque or your mom’s weekly apricot chicken recipe!)</li>
</ul>
<p>Include photos, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-tips-for-collecting-family-stories-9396" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>stories</u></a>, and personal anecdotes to make it more meaningful. When you record family members telling stories about their favorite meals, this could be done through audio or written stories. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>My Stories Matter</u></a> lets you preserve your family recipes digitally this makes the recipes easily accessible to family members, but it allows for comments and feedback from others who have tried the recipes! </p>
<p>Create a <a href="https://book.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>personalized Life Stories Book</u></a> for this very thing, which you can make copies for each family member so everyone can have their copy to treasure and pass on to the next generation.</p>
<p>You can also opt for preserving your family recipes digitally on My Stories Matter. Not only does this make the recipes easily accessible to family members, but it allows for comments and feedback from others who have tried the recipes! </p>
<p> </p><div class="media media-element-container media-default"><div id="file-21225" class="file file-image file-image-png">

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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Picture2.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=R8OrPgtE0ZPTnbjFj0z%2Fw4Gego4hyYQwm%2FWaHB5Pzn7aCm8WKhxpIl0gx18UrF3hJ8BfpEViBlhFJbPTyHxsLtbkDcTk2%2FH7Bf9E3Jpj%2BFFB64bgGg7H5uhjlcDAho%2FAFrE43pf7OWiV7oyl7ebUondy7%2BbSg9ZeKgKYVvxB%2FZyGVefkHXz93g1A8HameXGO6EZj5EpWMC9NeJKygqcx4FH5KP0QqXquGvMobPnTpLmcaVDPiwE4iuHZnq3ExWSV1WhtBryCDFEnRw%2BGrW87EFsv9gluoRu33W4G1kD9Ep4BzAqXK6C9XkLMiex%2FM7PV%2F1IxAKTxESZL9Q5ktf5pkg%3D%3D" width="630" height="840" alt="Happy Birthday Arnie" />  </div>

  
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<h2><b>Take Cooking Classes Together</b></h2>
<p>Cooking classes are fun for learning new skills, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-creating-family-memories%C2%A0" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>creating more memories</u></a>, and bonding as a family. Choose a class focusing on a specific cuisine or cooking technique, and make it a group activity. You will learn new recipes and techniques and create memories that will last a lifetime, especially with <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-creative-ways-to-reach-out-to-an-old-family-member-or-friend-153338" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>family members you haven’t talked to in a while</u></a>. </p>
<p>After these classes, try cooking the meal(s) you learned together! Choose a theme or cuisine, and have family members prepare their dishes to <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/sharing-memories--5-unique-ways-you-haven't-thought-of" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>share</u></a>, complete with decorations and music. Research states that a <a href="https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/home-cooking-good-for-the-soul/" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>cooking class can benefit the soul</u></a>, like art or <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/tapping-into-memories-with-music" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>music</u></a> therapy! </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default"><div id="file-21226" class="file file-image file-image-png">

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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Picture3.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=S%2B6I0SdoAFUdANM8o0LlnPJ5V1vJp8bkEjSUfvoBYodxYCjB6ynZGHJNGo66EHrxUFoIe%2FUufjS9N3XzY85zRjijhChC9bVrwlngp2HzQbalDrONJzhrpFQh4QQPOUsxRhLC8aBiSOSBzK%2FkUrUVPYilKt%2F3la4nfwKSegrIV3tAqQYAzgdDTP1mk3OktsB7CoSuLamPzLYfuE80cxbgSsTsXhJrk8%2FFfk5p7%2B2VMvdZ7NGKuOEfbOfcuMAPbcS2TChmZEcH7UHuykYx46spsCN2rVvSEF%2FUuXADihfoCXm%2BU5qzdBiqCQky94pblAYmtmd70tdszPn8MWtmJjSEHw%3D%3D" width="720" height="959" alt="Our most beloved grandma claire's recipe" />  </div>

  
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<h2><b>Document Your Favorite Restaurant Experiences</b></h2>
<p>Food memories are not just limited to home-cooked meals. Many of us fondly <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-relive-a-memory-16700" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>remember our favorite restaurants</u></a> and the meals we enjoyed there. Was there a local pizza parlor you loved going to growing up or an ice cream shop after a cavity-free dentist appointment? Perhaps you had your sweet sixteen at one of the most popular cafes in town, or remember which restaurant you proposed (or got proposed to).</p>
<p>Document your favorite restaurant experiences by taking photos, writing reviews, or creating a Life Stories Book. This preserves the memories and creates a record of the restaurant scene and food culture in your area.</p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default"><div id="file-21228" class="file file-image file-image-png">

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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Picture4.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=PBqXuNqPMgTesgHN9b48LNNQgir2dHcKIRT2K6dkQWWNuQf3dkOZ%2FGXLRygtYL9bdDBie5kf2kPDXW2RT2F4YuwqQlP8Jh3oWyh9em0jVVXmrlgg3wlBuMX%2BNXPQLsCGH3fpZfz2XI3KnVhbwxYZ0ELTpXhV5NLHq%2BHs%2BKw58CaqYlK9%2FM%2Bi1lNVuAZNb1sZY2IPjh7uVQI%2FWiHhqeOxYcFBx%2FoOdfM67cQmuvSqcdTtK8MF%2BF%2FfSYaSRq4OVbZ2O5TIJqXWd6CwTSZnlCbcRn0cae4HSWT5CsGmmNWHja%2BQkSR9G3HTZzWJ%2FUMX8nQbXD34UwpDNkmyEowfrBujUg%3D%3D" width="700" height="700" alt="several dishes" />  </div>

  
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<h2><b>Record Your Food Memories on My Stories Matter</b></h2>
<p>Preserving food memories is crucial to connecting with our past and creating a sense of family heritage. There are many ways to preserve and celebrate our food memories by sharing these memories with future generations. Since summer is upon you (a great time to hang out/catch up with family), <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>get started</u></a> today! </p>
<p>“<a href="https://www.dailyinspirationalquotes.in/2016/06/family-loves-good-friends-food-table-roof-head-richer-think/" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>If you hav</u></a><a href="https://www.dailyinspirationalquotes.in/2016/06/family-loves-good-friends-food-table-roof-head-richer-think/" title="Food Stories" type="Food Stories"><u>e a family that loves you, a few good friends, food on your table, and a roof over your head. You are richer than you think</u></a>.” - Unknown</p>
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Pass the Memories, Please: Preserving Your Family's Food Stories

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<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr">Family legacies are the <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/discover-why-your-stories-matter" title="Family Legacy">stories</a>, values, traditions, and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-bring-a-memory-to-life/" title="Family Legacy">memories</a> passed down from generation to generation. They are the tangible and intangible things that make up a family's history and help create a sense of continuity and familiarity.</p>
<p dir="ltr">A family legacy is a glue that binds a family together and provides a sense of identity, belonging and purpose. </p>
<h1 dir="ltr">Benefits of a Family Legacy</h1>
<p>There are many benefits of having a family legacy, such as:  </p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Connecting Us to the Past</h3>
<p>Learning about our family's history and traditions, we understand who we are and where we come from. This connection to our past is vital for younger generations who may feel disconnected from their family's history and traditions. </p>
<p>According to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html" title="Family Legacy">New York Times</a>, “The more children knew about their family’s history, the stronger their sense of control over their lives, the higher their self-esteem, and the more successfully they believed their families functioned.”</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Helping Us Understand Our Family's Beliefs </h3>
<p>By sharing values, experiences, and traditions, we gain insight into why we do what we do and what is <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/discover-why-your-stories-matter" title="Family Legacy">important</a> to us. In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, losing sight of our values and beliefs is easy. </p>
<p>According to a study by professors <a href="https://www.echostories.com/family-stories-and-the-path-to-happiness/#:~:text=The%20study%20by%20professors%20Robyn,%2Dunderstanding%20and%20self%2Desteem." title="Family Legacy">Robyn Fivush and Marshall Duke</a>, “children who hear stories about stressful events in their families’ past told in an emotionally expressive way have higher levels of self-understanding and self-esteem."</p>
<p>Further research at <a href="https://news.emory.edu/stories/2020/04/esc_covid_19_family_stories/campus.html" title="Family Legacy">Emory University</a> found that 10-12-year-olds coped better when their families talked more coherently and emotionally about difficult family times than families that told less emotionally expressive and coherent stories about their challenges.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Being a Source of Inspiration and Motivation for Future Generations </h3>
<p>We can pass on valuable lessons and insights by sharing our successes and failures. This helps younger generations navigate <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-for-a-happy-life%C2%A0/" title="Family Legacy">life's challenges and overcome obstacles</a>. Family legacies instill pride and responsibility in future generations, encouraging them to continue the <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/how-write-your-legacy-story" title="Family Legacy">legacy</a> and pass it on to their children and grandchildren. </p>
<p>According to research at <a href="https://www.parentsleague.org/sites/default/files/Fivush_2021.pdf" title="Family Legacy">Emory University</a>, adolescents and young adults who know their <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/preserve-your-grandparents%E2%80%99-memories-on-my-stories-matter%C2%A0/" title="Family Legacy">grandparents</a>' lives, including details like where they were born, where they attended school, and what kind of work they did as children, have higher self-esteem, social skills, and academic competence, as well as lower levels of depression, anxiety, and aggressive behavior. They also have a greater sense of life's meaning and purpose. </p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Providing Comfort and Connection During Difficult Times</h3>
<p>A solid family legacy can provide stability and continuity when faced with a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/8-creative-ways-to-keep-the-memory-of-a-loved-one-alive/" title="Family Legacy">loss</a> or a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/a-celebration-of-life-stories-book/" title="Family Legacy">significant life transition</a>. They remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves and have a rich history and tradition. </p>
<p>According to <a href="https://billhigh.com/legacy/family-stories-secret-sauce-keeping-together/#" title="Family Legacy">Bill High</a>, children who understand they are part of a bigger family narrative feel more confident and like they belong. They know they are a part of something greater than themselves and have a strong sense of "intergenerational self."</p>
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<h1 dir="ltr"> </h1>
<h1 dir="ltr">How to Create Your Family Legacy</h1>
<p>There are a few steps you can follow to create your very own family legacy: </p>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Reflect on your family's history and traditions </h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">To do this, research your family's ancestry, talk to older relatives, and gather photos and memorabilia! You will better understand your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-creating-family-memories%C2%A0/" title="Family Legacy">family's roots and experiences</a> shaping your values and beliefs.</p>
<ol start="2">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Identify fundamental values and principles necessary to your family </h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">These include hard work, perseverance, honesty, and kindness. By identifying these values, you can create a roadmap for your family's legacy, guiding future generations to live their lives.</p>
<ol start="3">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Decide on a format for sharing your legacy</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">You can write a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-create-a-life-stories-book%C2%A0/" title="Family Legacy">family history book</a>, create a family tree, or document recipes and traditions. One platform for sharing <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-tips-for-collecting-family-stories/" title="Family Legacy">family stories</a> and legacies is My Stories Matter, which allows families to share their stories, traditions, and experiences <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/need-a-facebook-alternative/" title="Family Legacy">safely and securely</a>.</p>
<ol start="4">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Involve all family members in the creation process!</h3>
</li>
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<p dir="ltr">Suppose you’re interested in collaborating on a family legacy with your family. In that case, use My Stories Matter, designed for collaboration - a fun and meaningful way to bring your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-recording-your-parent's-life-stories--how-my-stories-matter-can-help/" title="Family Legacy">family</a> together and strengthen your family's bonds.</p>
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<h1 dir="ltr"> </h1>
<h1 dir="ltr">Examples of Family Legacies</h1>
<p>Family legacies take many forms, and there is no right or wrong way to create one. Here are a few examples of family legacies that you may find inspiring:</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Stories and Experiences: <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-relive-a-memory/" title="Family Legacy">Recount </a>family history, such as how your grandparents met or when your family went camping and encountered a grizzly bear while on a hike!</p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Recipes and Food Traditions: Share <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/scent-of-a-memory-and-the-proust-effect/" title="Family Legacy">recipes</a> for your favorite dishes growing up, like your grandmother’s famous peach cobbler, accompanied by family games! Document the history of family meals, and pass down cooking techniques and tips.</p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Photographs and Other Memorabilia: Create photo albums, display family heirlooms, and share stories about objects passed down through the generations. An example is a time capsule full of your family’s most treasured souvenirs, such as engagement rings, postcards, letters, etc.. </p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Family Rituals and Celebrations: Celebrate those beachy summer <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog?page=4" title="Family Legacy">holidays</a>, or <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/sharing-memories--5-unique-ways-you-haven't-thought-of" title="Family Legacy">share</a> family rituals such as that annual Christmas tree cutting or iconic family BBQ reunion with a grilling contest. </p>
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<h1 dir="ltr"> </h1>
<h1 dir="ltr">Create Your Family Legacy on My Stories Matter</h1>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Family Legacy">My Stories Matter</a> allows families to create a safe and secure digital archive of their family <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-best-tips-for-capturing-life-stories/" title="Family Legacy">stories</a> and traditions, ensuring they are preserved and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-passing-down-life-lessons--how-my-stories-matter-can-help/" title="Family Legacy">passed down</a> to future generations. Your legacy can be a source of inspiration, guidance, and motivation for your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. </p>
<p>So take the time to reflect on your family's history and traditions, and start <a href="https://linktr.ee/mystoriesmatter" title="Family Legacy">crafting</a> your family legacy today!</p>


The Glue that Binds a Family Together: Building a Family Legacy

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<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Memoir vs. Autobiography: Understanding the Key Differences</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Both <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-memoir-ideas-to-jumpstart-your-life-story/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">memoirs</a> and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-an-autobiography/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">autobiographies</a> are forms of non-fiction writing that tell the story of someone's life. However, while these two genres are similar in many ways, some significant differences set them apart.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In this article, we'll explore the differences between a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/16-reasons-to-write-your-memoir/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">memoir</a> and an autobiography and help you understand which format might be best for your life story!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 1: Definition of Memoir and Autobiography</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">The first and most obvious difference between a memoir and an autobiography is their definition. A memoir is autobiographical writing that focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life rather than covering their entire life from birth to the present. On the other hand, an autobiography is a comprehensive account of a person's life from start to finish.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 2: Scope and Focus</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">As mentioned, a memoir focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life. This could be a particular event, relationship, or challenge that significantly impacted the person and helped to shape who they are today. In contrast, an autobiography aims to provide a thorough account of a person's life, covering everything from childhood to the present.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 3: Perspective</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Another critical difference between memoir and autobiography is the perspective from which the story is told. In a memoir, the author is typically the main character and the story is told from the first-person point of view. This allows the author to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences more personally and authentically.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the author may also tell their story from a first-person perspective, but it is common for them to take a more objective, third-person approach. This way, the author steps back and provides a broader view of their life and the events that shaped it.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 4: Purpose</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Memoirs and autobiographies inspire or inform others, share lessons learned, or provide a compelling and engaging story. While both genres tell a person's life story, memoirs are often more focused on entertainment and personal growth.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Autobiographies may be written for a broader audience to establish the author's place in history, provide insight into a particular period or cultural context, or serve as a record of a person's life and achievements.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 5: Time Frame</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">A memoir typically focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life, while an autobiography covers their entire life from birth to the present. As a result, memoirs are often more tightly focused and cover a shorter time frame. At the same time, autobiographies tend to be more sprawling and cover a broader range of events and experiences.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 6: Writing Style</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">While both genres are non-fiction, the style of writing varies significantly. In a memoir, the author has more freedom to experiment with style and structure and can use literary techniques such as dialogue, scene-setting, and characterization to bring their story to life.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Author <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/365-you-have-to-write-the-book-that-wants-to-be" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">Madeleine L'Engle</a> once said, "You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book is too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the writing style tends to be more straightforward and factual, with less emphasis on literary flourishes. Autobiographers often strive for a clear, objective tone that accounts for their life.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 7: Audience</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Memoirs are often written for a general audience and may appeal to anyone interested in the author's story or the themes they explore. Depending on the style and content, they may be marketed as self-help books, memoirs, or even novels.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In contrast, autobiographies are often written for a more specific audience, such as historians, researchers, or fans of the author's work. Autobiographers may focus more on documenting their life and achievements than crafting an engaging narrative.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 8: Authenticity</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Both memoirs and autobiographies aim to provide an authentic account of a person's life, but how this authenticity is achieved varies. In a memoir, the author may take creative liberties with the events or characters to tell a more compelling story. However, the overall tone and themes should still be grounded in reality.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the focus is often on providing an accurate, factual account of the author's life. Autobiographers may use primary sources such as diaries, letters, and photographs to ensure their account is as real as possible.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 9: Tone</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In a memoir, the author's voice and personality are often front and center, and the tone may range from humorous to severe, depending on the subject matter. The tone may also change throughout the book, reflecting the author's emotional journey.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the tone is often more consistent and may be more objective or academic. The author may adopt a more distant or detached tone to provide a broader view of their life and achievements.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 10: Legacy</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Finally, both memoirs and autobiographies have a lasting impact on a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-your-legacy-story/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">person's legacy</a>. By sharing their story, authors can inspire and educate others and leave a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-reasons-to-record-your-life/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">record of their life</a> and achievements for future generations.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">While memoirs and autobiographies are forms of non-fiction writing that tell the story of a person's life, they differ in significant ways. Memoirs focus on a specific period or theme and are often more personal and literary in style. At the same time, autobiographies provide a complete account of a person's life and are often more objective and factual. Understanding the differences between these two genres will help aspiring writers choose the format best suited to their own life stories.</b></p>
<p> </p>
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    <img title="Memoir and an Autobiography" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-03-21T122633.536.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=nBwXzTegzeawF9UN%2BtPKa%2BsIUJsweFXUjk%2F2%2FWPqtsSm6PhukEFDFbLNlZyrc%2FaQYI72uEBvk420gxM0Sb9YrDgyyGnQPwcdl1CSg9EOZT1Zv0mviRjIjIhkghVSeQnqb2KusxY%2FNcTjJ%2FdktSMwacJvwaOlsB%2FIUIqQBTyBJoHtLNJ8Dj10EJh4ngOojeIMqO2ccc9gVtTtRoUIPXc7Z9JuNEa%2BxBP4zfCQ2F10JR1VyXX7HBGNncIoQgf9S98Q%2FI9aIL7bH2QzJxBZQsQiAsefMvZJpoz8JU6iPgcyPMxmJDR0MM3cKZ2A456%2FJ2nYKN0gfen8phfgj5K2x%2Ft%2FKw%3D%3D" alt="A person surfing on a big wave" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Write your Memoir or Autobiography on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Whether you write a memoir or autobiography or simply want to record your valuable life stories, the most important thing is to start capturing and sharing those memories. Your life is too important to be lost to time - it deserves to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">My Stories Matter</a> is incredibly helpful when writing your memoir or autobiography. We provide an easy and accessible way to record your stories and memories, allowing you to create a digital asset for generations. You can chronicle your life to make writing a memoir or autobiography much easier! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">Sign up</a> for free today.</b></p>


10 Differences Between a Memoir and an Autobiography

<p dir="ltr"> <b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Memoirs are a popular form of literature, offering readers a chance to glimpse into the lives of others, understand different perspectives, and gain insights that can transform their lives.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>For example, memoirs like McCourt’s “Angela’s Ashes,” Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast,” and Gilbert's “Eat, Pray, Love” remain inspiring classics. They are becoming more popular than ever, growing <a href="https://wordsrated.com/autobiography-sales-statistics/" title="memoir ideas">26% in sales revenue over the last five years - more than non-fiction books</a>! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">A memoirist or a memorialist is a person who writes a memoir. However, it’s essential to distinguish memoirs from autobiographies. <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-an-autobiography/" title="memoir ideas">Autobiographies</a> narrate the story "of a life," but a memoir often relates the story of a specific career, event, or time in the author's life, such as touchstone moments.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">If you're thinking of writing a memoir, but are unsure where to start, don’t fret! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir ideas">My Stories Matter</a> gives you four memoir ideas to get you started. </b></p>
<p> </p>
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    <img alt="woman on beach " title="memoir " class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-02-17T121048.140.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=OxOO2dUArc4A26zKE8AmC%2FJJ5ZmRnBP4%2BDnlwcgxHw9xW1s7wyAG3vLVu6tbpgNjaUT7I67jKk1RfnrMJj8PVLwgRtd8xvzEJ3P6WyfyZkgjukxwWaVVM857kDmxeFezDF98Y%2B7AG6EFjIM3QOcy2jHV2itoGoyFq4jzodJ1Qi%2F2L4BzyLMqjES3IrqO39ptUoYInzGizE2FF8qM49yCr1dzEED5htc8dJyPb6BTy50KE2ZT1r07sc4ilgYYMcGQXqlI9HNB2viFEO6Mihl8R6RtjbpUs7hrdX0oNwzrTEOy2FuWQkpmlrxbU%2BI0zu9YquHYF0hotuJzpfkt%2BM2RlQ%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Focus on a Significant Event</b></h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">This could be tragedy or triumph, achieving a personal goal, or overcoming an obstacle. If you experienced a significant illness or injury, you could write about how that event impacted your life and how you coped with the changes. Or, if you faced a challenge, such as overcoming addiction or going through a divorce, you could write about what you learned from the experience.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Despite what you might think, writing about adverse events has a <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2019.00389/full" title="memoir ideas">positive effect</a>! Telling the story of a past negative incident or continuing anxiety "frees up" cognitive resources. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">The same goes for “positive expressive writing.” According to one <a href="https://psyarxiv.com/uctj4/" title="memoir ideas">study</a>, a three-day course of "positive expressive writing," which involved writing about positive events, reduced anxiety immediately after writing and improved work-related well-being and job satisfaction four weeks later! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/7-must-have-tips-on-journaling%C2%A0/" title="memoir ideas">Journaling</a>, memoirs, and poetry are all examples of expressive writing.</b></p>
<p> </p>
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    <img alt="old photographs " title="memoir " class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-02-17T121150.680.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=gMam6Xf%2FKyGfmTLeXcLr5Qs%2B378KBcb0SJz8j9SUmD8v4tJtPKko5jSNRIBOwHUNgFuJgVUJJS6U9chPjQk1wC51qIcOYOaiJh%2FyQsaIsJvsDbftrfYEYKjPi7gyT9x3MnVMmJu8NlIrFLParEE6vtQOrGOumBD%2FOOlWAn4J4IQ2%2FM61Yq7Y3IrkGfpNZbdE%2FhgOG8ICnyIAsvNDX%2FHDimB5gamm3iOUqUVrNgLHzUTcbHXXyXi8kF5Ypmj2sCzVcw3v%2Bu6wz0N8K60szIXuAZ5mY5T%2BpJ0YfdjRyFhT77qn4G5kCpPfCzQL0D%2BiUnQFJsy4cJFoTXZvlD9U3KwiHg%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
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</div>
<p> </p>
<ol start="2">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Explore Your Roots</b></h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Exploring your roots means delving into your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-tips-for-collecting-family-stories/" title="memoir ideas">family history</a>, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-creating-family-memories%C2%A0/" title="memoir ideas">cultural background</a>, and childhood experiences. This can be a great way to uncover stories and experiences that have shaped your life and helped you become the person you are today.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Did your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/preserve-your-grandparents%E2%80%99-memories-on-my-stories-matter%C2%A0/" title="memoir ideas">grandparents</a> have a difficult journey coming to America? Was there a pivotal moment in your childhood that shaped your worldview? What was your relationship with your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-recording-your-parent's-life-stories--how-my-stories-matter-can-help/" title="memoir ideas">parents</a> and siblings like? </b></p>
<p> </p>
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-02-17T120913.477.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=VbcN2FQPyhpvjnOmfcTobjfg8RWgVg%2BZo4i%2BoautmIqGq80XJcC%2B0zO1JolkLFHU4spPVeiacwXFmhR0D2S833ZSD5o0siu5PGc3jWd%2FohsbfCZuDTdiYiYfefXLWeGu7VpcjPKNwjyBrIy1JkvTWduBDmIfJT1y0gMYIEqsjRfKSHTcOQfv2jn0MD5BZHIKZnFP7ouHWjFPNxQMs%2B%2BdKDT5Ix3cQPVzyQ5q%2BfH1%2Fj8ZkjOniAUWYpyBNsiMl0C2yksxu5a7cEoVuXogvu2S%2FytltzGPTW0qXKIj1zfja7u%2BZwpUQ%2B3irjLxpD4p7gYtZVrZAYTLKZ%2Boe9tE6LS7mQ%3D%3D" alt="couple kissing" />  </div>

  
</div>
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<p> </p>
<ol start="3">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Write About a Relationship</b></h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Writing about a relationship, whether it's a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a relationship with a family member, can be a powerful way to explore the dynamics of human connections.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Was there a romantic relationship that taught you about love and trust? Or a friendship that ended in betrayal? You could also write about a complicated relationship with a family member and how that impacted your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-best-tips-for-capturing-life-stories/" title="memoir ideas">life</a> or explore the bonds with your childhood friends.</b></p>
<p> </p>
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    <img alt="woman taking photos " title="memoir " class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-02-17T121234.573.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=Wo%2F6N6NjDLm3bRE2yFAAXzIPu1wP%2FRMOV4ve0w%2BhimndPsphYiNjwRG544CI4ZJIg%2FxCVQyNUcx6q293sLYrq2twa%2FXsdcy3Tm2km2pwg5DvbKdDB8flweTbAApWXT149ukzQ%2BVStiNqn3MPaGXa9QnVHcjyWZ0VfpC5f5nOZwWArsEEFAdc%2FJOxn%2FvjIw6Gw8T8qctgPRN3srYXzwDZH1xe3zLBM4ndnmi536Mga0oNHYcE8QDYQJR%2Bp%2FWtYkHOdg%2BZkyxAMgo%2Bnc6MrVHgkVqUWbeZ8dlA7H%2Bp7Mj3WOY8F0ECT88Z6GQKzRW73GLfwxoqPH69Xze06YKlz7gmbw%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<ol start="4">
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Explore a Passion or Hobby</b></h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Did you love painting or <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/why-you-prefer-nostalgic-songs-from-your-teenage-years/" title="memoir ideas">playing an instrument</a> growing up? Is there a passion that inspires you? Write about how that passion has influenced your life. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Contrary to popular opinion, there isn’t one single passion for everybody. Some people enjoy many hobbies, and no hobby is too small or insignificant if it gives you comfort. The best thing you can do is listen to what motivates you, then write about it. </b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20138" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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    <img alt="book shelf " title="memoir " class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-02-17T121122.670.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=SLSzjyatvuL2K4V0i7p7k4sD699bIg2hUKVpt33oyencB5jGlj%2BO8Npc1jKotuSVRpDyu6%2B%2FCnlf%2FMtlcM465zhRVnR53D3plxATkl4mg5VqhqLeb3BEezTCldL6JmxAHTMan4WBjB60Skl1tXRkaXKenjeLSWJkcoyMZMytC%2FyLXMWbDCvKBa80dnIifxhY5u1z8hoiYoJBfvVDpAiIWX6WH7wdFAfAB3b%2F0beoybuYQxH7QGOgG8VL4BqSzKZIdqA5iHAEyXriEXyPxZ83GGmpwjlyWGSt2mM3o37PPq%2Bi6K%2F5MP3QfFQ%2BWAWWOrLWbMnjoVkyWJwNjgxjydIDiA%3D%3D" />  </div>

  
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</div>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Write Your Memoir on My Stories Matter</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">My Stories Matter can help you bring these <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-bring-a-memory-to-life/" title="memoir ideas">ideas to life</a> and turn them into a coherent narrative so your memoir can leave a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-your-legacy-story/" title="memoir ideas">lasting legacy</a> for future generations. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">My Stories Matter's editing and organizing features make revising and perfecting your memoir easy! For example, take advantage of our assisted writing feature, <a href="http://writinghelper.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir ideas">WritingHelper</a>, where a writer can assist you by asking questions and composing your responses into a narrative while correcting grammar and spelling. This can help you expand your ideas and develop a deeper understanding of the story you want to tell. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">You can also add multimedia content, such as photos and videos, allowing you to explore different formats for your memoir.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-44f1e3b6-7fff-1e69-3de0-ced09123b28c">Don’t forget to invite friends and family to share their memories and perspectives! This can add a new layer of depth to your ideas for a memoir and make it a truly collaborative effort. </b></p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memoir ideas">Sign up for free</a> at My Stories Matter today, and happy writing!</b></p>


4 Memoir Ideas to Jumpstart Your Life Story

<p> </p>

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    <img title="family memories" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-01-30T123604.596.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=mTN8I4aoiw2bditrcfnZh7TyZUiXZocM6NTbwnQyCH172QxL%2BsV%2BWafram3cbO4k0sEGdBRUa7Fe02ScISgIjqNl1Vf5e4T6sfCS04tvSlK1TWl6vlFucUljoZLqv0V4v8rvxm0eWElEquaCq5kUFL26Au%2BxLr6fJocEysxFXoH4UUK754jhcummFQSW0P9xUDUlRaH6PUgQHjkEKBGdthbaWy7G5vSOWWXiGODDIIVpvjlLnB%2BDsIoN6T8CCv7olWNGZnrrkg8M8ATw8vFB952GZq20BvKzrN%2FPEK7y1qN57mxT4ahjeoVqs3eCyS3yGfpSWQlbYpoZis4Y3VAdYg%3D%3D" alt="family flying a kite" />  </div>

  
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<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b7fb2c-7fff-106b-f111-ef69ba93c22d">Family memories are some of the most precious things we have in life. They are the <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-tips-for-collecting-family-stories/" title="family memories">stories</a>, moments, and experiences that bring us together, remind us of our origins, and shape who we are. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b7fb2c-7fff-106b-f111-ef69ba93c22d">What better way to preserve these memories than by <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-reasons-to-record-your-life/" title="family memories">recording</a> them with My Stories Matter? My Stories Matter’s vast collection of prompts and easy-to-use interface makes it easy for the whole family to get involved. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b7fb2c-7fff-106b-f111-ef69ba93c22d">Here are the key reasons why creating family memories today is so important! Get ready to sit down with <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/preserve-your-grandparents%E2%80%99-memories-on-my-stories-matter%C2%A0/" title="family memories">grandparents</a> and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-importance-of-recording-your-parent's-life-stories--how-my-stories-matter-can-help/" title="family memories">parents</a>, ask them about their past and life experiences, and piece together your family history puzzle. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b7fb2c-7fff-106b-f111-ef69ba93c22d">Discover Your Roots </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b7fb2c-7fff-106b-f111-ef69ba93c22d">You'll learn more about your family and your place in the family. Recording and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-relive-a-memory/" title="family memories">reliving memories</a> are integral to the process. At My Stories Matter, we design our platform to be supportive and empowering. <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/sharing-memories--5-unique-ways-you-haven't-thought-of/" title="family memories">Sharing your family memories</a> can be a powerful way to <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/7-fun-ways-to-connect-with-family-during-the-holidays/" title="family memories">connect with others</a> and inspire them to explore their family's past. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b7fb2c-7fff-106b-f111-ef69ba93c22d">Keep a Personalized Family Life Stories Book </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b7fb2c-7fff-106b-f111-ef69ba93c22d">My Stories Matter's design service will make your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-create-a-life-stories-book%C2%A0/" title="family memories">family Life Stories Book</a> look stunning. Our experienced writers and designers will work with you to create a beautiful, <a href="https://book.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="family memories">personal family Life Stories Book</a> that you can treasure for years. Once your family Life Stories Book is complete, you can share it with loved ones or even make it public. You can also print a physical copy of your family memories, where you can flip through the pages whenever you want and even pass it down to <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-your-legacy-story/" title="family memories">future generations</a>. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b7fb2c-7fff-106b-f111-ef69ba93c22d">Preserve Your Family Memories on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b7fb2c-7fff-106b-f111-ef69ba93c22d">Recording family memories with My Stories Matter is not only easy, but it's also a ton of fun. For example, when your grandma tells you how she met your grandpa for the first time or when your family recounts a family vacation. These moments can live in the pages of your family Life Stories Book.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f9b7fb2c-7fff-106b-f111-ef69ba93c22d">What are you waiting for? Don't let your family memories <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/6-ways-to-prevent-memory-loss-(and-it-has-nothing-to-do-with-age)/" title="family memories">fade away</a>. Gather the family, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="family memories">fire up</a> the My Stories Matter platform, and start recording them today! Trust us; your future self will thank you.</b></p>


The Importance of Creating Family Memories 

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    <img title="bring a memory to life" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-01-27T113433.268.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=BNCR8kyd%2BH1oOvF6GJCQLuG5tdRidSiNgmczeEzHvABn6MFKokviThRBCcyVr86vXhFeFIYFknM3yhVgr5sCZmfbktfuSPHUyTeFbesNoLQJZJ%2BFxo0BEBBU2ZVzjkGcs5CHHznDRj8WCg3CxeYQp8E%2FtBvhdy7iWHMWzbztsTTHSvwP%2F4RW02ES7Be8G5GhNVOes7aRNLeoeP6v2QqtgryeM%2FpdB%2FQ%2FXT%2BcvaMYyFxHP6LU2Y04mghEVUrJx1%2FY2y%2Bou1YXMkOS3O%2FA6aZQ29aMRT%2Bb%2BBz3OxGnfRMSDesVeGMR3iMbJRDKGZu1bufzERNeAEsl8fgd3NOjsxqD9A%3D%3D" alt="People dancing in a puddle" />  </div>

  
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<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">We all have special memories, whether when we went on our first date, the day we graduated from college, or when we held our new baby for the first time. These memories can bring us joy, comfort, and a sense of nostalgia. But often, these memories can fade and become less vivid as time passes. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">Fortunately, there are three key ways to bring our memories back to life and keep them fresh in our minds, even if it’s the <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/8-creative-ways-to-keep-the-memory-of-a-loved-one-alive/" title="bring a memory to life">memory of a deceased loved one</a>. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">Write It Down </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">One of the best ways to keep a memory alive is to <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/7-must-have-tips-on-journaling%C2%A0/" title="bring a memory to life">put it into words</a>. Writing down the details of your memory can help you remember better and make it more vivid. If you need more confidence, write down as much as you can remember, even if it's just a few sentences!</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">Science even proves that writing down helps you <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797614524581" title="bring a memory to life">retain information better</a>, such as <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sleep-helps-learning-memory-201202154265" title="bring a memory to life">before sleep</a>. So jot that memory down on your nightstand, journal, or sticky note, and let <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="bring a memory to life">My Stories Matter’s</a> expert memory platform do the rest! </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">Share With Others </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">Our memories are fragile and can fade over time. Another way to keep a memory alive is to <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/sharing-memories--5-unique-ways-you-haven't-thought-of/" title="bring a memory to life">share it with others</a>. Telling a friend or family member about a special memory can help you remember it better and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00220221211072809" title="bring a memory to life">bring you closer</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">Sharing a memory can also be a great way to connect with others with similar experiences and inspire them to share their memories. When we share a memory with someone, we share a part of ourselves with them, a therapeutic and enlightening process. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">Record It</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">If you want to keep a memory alive for the long term, consider <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-reasons-to-record-your-life" title="bring a memory to life">recording it</a>. Writing or speaking about that memory can help organize and structure the information, making it easier to recall later. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">This can be a written journal, a voice recording, or a video, which you can reference later and is helpful for memories that may be difficult to recall, such as those from childhood. Recording memories preserve them for future generations. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">Bring Your Memory to Life on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="bring a memory to life">My Stories Matter</a> is the place to go! My Stories Matter allows you to document and preserve your personal stories, sharing them with family, friends, or the public. You can record your memories, thoughts, and experiences in a structured and organized way.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">My Stories Matter creates a timeline of events, allowing you to see your life progression and reflect on how you’ve changed over time. You can add photos and videos to your timeline and categorize your stories by theme and tag keywords. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-fc2a588e-7fff-d674-3fea-e470d034e7b6">Don’t waste any more time! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="bring a memory to life">Bring your memory to life</a> today. </b></p>


How to Bring a Memory to Life

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    <img title="life questions" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-01-25T170518.193.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=JjmClt7Dz%2FeD%2FYP%2B6eNhmjZf7%2F%2BNZIXVJ0huX9rOxOojISgnUPgoM1b%2BCEpPYCKlVVBjC8aK9UCGwNQoRxYBicgcvhFmhxCdFIYN8uMPR61YQwd98hosU1kh8%2BmEzn8NhkRMY67AjW9gPe6nfkqWR%2F3ty14%2BUxrrUbyasF3JA8m%2FsVOUq4GomPJ8c0rc7VBfxLzwjfBmwNmDH4HnFvkqkAyZ4%2Ff3xT3VuQ3e8VJRBdLwtDpKl9ShzwRULLKpQ4zSEtJofLuE%2FAUQi44na6RndVBxBHKAyRBnsFbrHh%2BWX2XIKQg3sTKVaBIe%2F4W8oTSfEH%2BWi0o43mY3QzFSANkdOA%3D%3D" alt="girl walking on bridge" />  </div>

  
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<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">As we go through life, we are faced with many questions. For example, who are we? Where are we from? These questions are crucial to understanding our place in the world. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">My Stories Matter is here to help you explore these questions and discover the answers through your own life stories.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">Life Questions to Ponder </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">My Stories Matter provides various life question prompts designed to inspire reflection and encourage you to delve deep into your own experiences. These prompts will help you uncover the hidden aspects of your life and explore the emotions, thoughts, and feelings that have shaped who you are today. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">If you sign up, here is a list of crucial prompts My Stories Matter will ask: </b></p>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“What was your most significant childhood experience?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“What have been the most defining moments of your life?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“How have your experiences shaped your beliefs?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“Who have you looked up to over the years and why?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“What is the best advice you have ever received?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“What is a tough obstacle in your life that you overcame?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“How would you like people to remember you?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“If you could go back in time, what wisdom would you give your younger self?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“What was a pivotal turning point in your life?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“How has your role model influenced you?”</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">These prompts can help you understand more about yourself and your experiences and answer some of the life questions lingering in your mind.</b></p>
<p> </p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">Craft Your Life Story</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">My Stories Matter has an assisted writing feature that can help you put your thoughts into words. Our writers will work with you to craft a narrative that captures your story and the emotions that go with it, helping you to answer the life questions you have been asking yourself. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">Sharing your life story can be a powerful way to connect with others. It can also leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Once your life story is complete, you can share it with loved ones or make it public. You can also print a physical copy to flip through the pages whenever you need a reminder of your journey.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">Answering life questions can be a challenging journey, but it can also be a deeply rewarding one. With My Stories Matter, you'll have the tools and resources you need to explore your stories and find the answers to the life questions that are most meaningful to you. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">Whether you're looking for a way to understand your past, present, or future, My Stories Matter is here to help. Find out more <a href="https://book.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="life questions">here</a>, and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="life questions">sign up</a> for free!</b></p>


10 Questions to Ask Yourself for a Happy Life 

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<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">Stories have been a fundamental part of human society for millennia. They have been used for entertainment, education, and cultural preservation. Beyond historical significance, they serve a profound personal and individual purpose.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">They even benefit businesses! For example, statistics show that storytelling can boost conversation rates by 30%. For more scientific facts about storytelling, visit <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-surprising-facts-about-storytelling" title="my stories matter">4 Surprising Facts about Storytelling</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">But do our stories really matter? Read on to find out! </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">Our Stories Are a Reflection of Who We Are </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">They reflect our experiences, our values, and our beliefs. They offer a glimpse into our innermost thoughts and feelings, allowing us better to understand ourselves and our place in the world.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">Our Stories Help Us to Connect with Others </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">We invite others into our lives by sharing our stories and asking them to share their experiences. Therefore, we can build relationships, foster empathy, and create a community.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">Our Stories Have the Power to Inspire and Motivate </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">By sharing our struggles and triumphs, we can help others see that they are not alone and can overcome adversity. This can provide a source of hope and encouragement for those facing similar challenges.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">Our Stories Can Educate and Inform</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can help others to learn and grow. This can be especially important when addressing complex or challenging issues, such as discrimination, inequality, or social injustice.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">Our Stories Can be a Source of Entertainment and Enjoyment</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">Whether reading a novel, watching a movie, or listening to a podcast, stories can transport us to different worlds and immerse us in new experiences. Who doesn’t love to welcome an escape from everyday life for a source of enjoyment and entertainment?</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">Your Stories Matter on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f">Our stories matter because they are a reflection of who we are; they help us to connect with others, they have the power to inspire and motivate, and they can educate and inform. Whether we are sharing our own stories or consuming the stories of others, they have the power to enrich our lives and make the world a better place.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="my stories matter">My Stories Matter</a> is the best platform to write your stories, allowing you to reconnect with former pals and those who were always there for you. Remember that magical trip to the coast, Grand Canyon, or Christmas destination? My Stories Matter keeps those joyful memories in a safe place where you can easily access them.</b><br />
	<b id="docs-internal-guid-29eddedd-7fff-2151-e5b4-8b0aeb09405f"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="my stories matter">Sign up</a> for free today and start storytelling! </b></p>


Discover Why Your Stories Matter

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    <img title="my stories matter" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-01-03T132925.622.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=P%2BX7DITXGQzoS8f1osB%2BNp5tE5XZPggd2XqJGizkaqSd%2FGv341cBreyVUCrX6D%2FeYKjw1v3nz1cz5oyxdTpiIkr0ad2hdCZzKHigy6QQQI74%2B1vOyxTvS8yogYS%2FUqh1IW83DDa0hHswTqOA%2F%2Bz3IPxVWD0marYu8vj9U9esdzryNYY%2FXWOq98Jk6UBQedKdSlcGDPsGN10nSv2kdgaY8rlFtLM%2FJRPwbmA4xqfN%2Fkh5cXG%2FRDidcFOA8CrWh2lUC%2Bg4GxOHhovoksid6yFvqbSqykoxD4%2BNtYl6yYyM6uua%2FNmruMLRsSNTL33ClSfWJB9doxT5yWV6JSvTuD%2BNWg%3D%3D" alt="A journal" />  </div>

  
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<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Journaling is a powerful tool that can help you process your thoughts and emotions, set and track goals, and even <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305886/" title="journaling ">improve your mental and physical health</a>.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">There are many <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/the-many-cognitive-benefits-of-journaling" title="journaling ">cognitive benefits of journaling</a>. Though journaling is a personal activity, making your writings coherent and grammar-checked can allow your family or offspring to read your work and establish your legacy after you're gone. So making your writing readable is critical!</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">We’ve compiled seven crucial tips to help you get the most out of your journaling practice.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Make it a Daily Habit </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Consistency is vital in journaling, so try to make it a daily practice. Set aside a specific time each day to write in your journal, and stick to it as much as possible. This will not only help you develop the habit but also give you a regular opportunity to reflect on your experiences and emotions.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">In one study, expressive writing (like journaling) for only <a href="https://mic.com/articles/110662/science-shows-something-surprising-about-people-who-still-journal#.n0QO5ApTN" title="journaling ">15 to 20 minutes a day three to five times</a> over four months was enough to lower blood pressure and improve liver functionality! </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> helps you maintain a regular journaling practice by generating ideas for your entries and setting reminders and goals to help you stay on track.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Write Freely and Without Judgment </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">When journaling, it's essential to let go of judgments or self-censorship. Worry about grammar after! For now, let your thoughts and emotions flow onto the page. This will help you to be honest and open with yourself and make the process more therapeutic. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> offers several unique features that make it perfect for exploring and expressing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You can connect and share your stories, providing a supportive and understanding audience for your journaling. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Be Specific and Detailed</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Be as specific and detailed as possible to get the most out of your journaling. Instead of just writing that you're "feeling stressed," try to identify what is causing that stress and how it affects you. This will help you better understand your emotions and experiences and make it easier to identify patterns and make positive changes.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">A study of nearly 100 young adults was asked to spend 15 minutes journaling, drawing about a distressing experience, or writing about their day’s plans twice a week. People who journaled experienced the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455605000699?via%3Dihub" title="Journaling ">most significant reduction in symptoms such as despair, anxiety, and aggression</a>, especially if they were already upset.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Use Prompts to Get Started</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">If you're having trouble getting started, try using prompts to kick-start your writing. These can be questions or even words that inspire you to write. <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> has endless prompts for you, such as: </b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">What has surprised you in life? </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Who have you looked up to over the years, and why? </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">What are some memorable moments from this year? </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">What did you do on your very first date with your spouse? </b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Reflect on Your Writing</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Once you've finished writing, take a few moments to reflect on what you've written. What insights did you gain? What patterns did you notice? What emotions or experiences stood out to you? </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">By taking the time to reflect on your writing, you'll be able to understand yourself and your adventures better, and you'll be able to identify areas where you can make positive changes. For example, a study found that students and faculty found reflective journaling to <a href="https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/01484834-20160114-08" title="journaling ">help develop critical thinking skills</a>. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Experiment with Different Formats</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Journaling doesn't have to be limited to writing in a traditional notebook – you can try many different formats. Some people prefer a journaling app on their phone or computer, while others prefer a journaling kit with prompts and exercises. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">My Stories Matter offers you variety to find your perfect fit when journaling. Have the ability to organize your entries in Collections. Or, try one of our limited edition Writing Challenges that focus on a theme or aspect of journaling.  </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Keep Your Journal Private </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Your journal is a personal space where you can be sincere and open with yourself. Don’t share it with others unless you feel comfortable doing so! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> places a strong emphasis on privacy. Unlike other social media apps, you can control who can see your entries, including setting them as private or sharing them with select individuals or groups. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">Start journaling</a> today! </b></p>


7 Must-Have Tips on Journaling 

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<h1 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-19286" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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    <img title="vacation stories" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-01-03T131805.149_0.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=LJKuBUHdWb1HtSsKK%2BjTDefYOi9OOfQDE73fCUBUKSyS3KJrmdwmn5IEva0ftlCGi65%2Bw4RswzSzQtLHvY54zCzAGry505UBSOq5Ye3stcVbBoLyL6GoroASB%2F%2Bhep%2BxlzdjhtFYki%2BBrIlVvCaugZwdS7mlaOxSzhEWRqkM5mttE4S7fTi%2B1qF8Pm1LIa7tp6Jh3EvdQyqooUq%2FXbNBdy0d6j7BWeK1mK%2Fd48FjWHKRcj7jhtSBDhprRHH2VkhfetignLEAC%2FBaAXHKe%2BGz%2B4EWh6T%2BHDmsEE76Ifs4a2aadaVZSQq7A%2B69HhQgYyraT4cj%2FqeBLbBTaqGV3u7cXA%3D%3D" alt="Woman sitting on a boat" />  </div>

  
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<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Recording vacation stories is a great way to preserve the memories of your trip for years to come. Not only can sharing these stories with friends and family be a fun way to relive the experience, but they can also serve as a valuable record of your travels. With the help of <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="my stories matter">My Stories Matter</a>, it's easy to collaborate with others to create a comprehensive vacation record.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">One of the main reasons to record your vacation stories is to capture the unique experiences and moments you might otherwise forget. As time goes on, it can be easy to forget the little details of your adventures. Plus, sharing these stories with friends and family can be a great way to bond and bring everyone together, especially if you cannot take a trip together in person.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Read on for simple tips to make recording your vacation stories more enjoyable!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Start as Soon as Possible</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Right when you return from your trip, take some time to sit down and write out your memories while they're still fresh in your mind. This will not only make the writing process more manageable, but it will also help to capture the details and emotions of your experiences more authentically.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Collaborate on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">My Stories Matter’s collaboration features allow you to easily share your stories with others and work together to create a comprehensive trip record. This is especially helpful if you're traveling with a group and want to ensure everyone's memories are included. By collaborating, you can create a richer and more complete record of your vacation.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Capture Your Experiences </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Photos, videos, and audio recordings can all add depth and richness to your stories and make them even more enjoyable to revisit in the future. For example, you might include a video of a beautiful sunset you saw on your trip or an audio recording of a local band you heard while exploring a new city.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Create a Scrapbook </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">You could create a physical scrapbook or photo album on your coffee table or use a digital platform like My Stories Matter to create an online scrapbook that you can share with others. You could even publish your stories in a blog or social media to share your experiences with a broader audience.</b></p>


Tips for Recording Your Vacation Stories

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    <img title="military stories " class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-01-02T142906.693.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=WkU94VgUy%2BXTrzyJbuH%2BFGmgdiCTnAwj%2Fztt2CCCO9ugp5VlRlHT1EgGoydCtz2RSaRdUgOhPz9WynU%2Fkf%2FdROsDfvTHfZuS9Ck2yZ6MMojkgLjytWL6%2Bm9wHmlKaUuL%2FcANwvWmQCkc5GYBiR9E5kc%2B0S0Zs%2Bibss8t%2FTbY2OSA%2Bl7ZaMnPcw%2B0afxP68xLWySWALQlITlrUZNz4hKNxNaOOyYX94JDE6nsUhtacj8RY%2F9HWPE3aV93zQAz2Rgk2lYjF4wUy8k7yi7wstx2I%2FnwKZRppvyX9rw6i55VtgvxAu4EEvz%2FgXlR8LzjvKHavHy8xet2Q233WyP8YoSM%2Bw%3D%3D" alt="men in uniform" />  </div>

  
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<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">You have unique experiences and stories worth sharing and preserving as a military member. These stories can provide valuable insights and lessons for future generations and can also serve as a way to connect with others who have shared similar experiences. As we get older, our memories can fade, making it more difficult to recall specific details and experiences from our past.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">Recording your military stories allows you to reflect on your service and experiences. This can be a therapeutic and healing process, as it will enable you to process and make sense of your experiences in a structured and meaningful way. It can also help you better understand your military time's impact on your life and how it has shaped you, giving you a sense of accomplishment and pride.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">But where to begin?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="military stories ">My Stories Matter</a> gives you some essential tips to get started! </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">Memory Cues </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">My Stories Matter has several features that make recording and sharing your stories easy. One of the key features is the ability to use memory cues to help you remember your experiences. This can include playable songs or photos that can help trigger memories and make it easier to recall your experiences in detail. This can be especially helpful for those who may have difficulty remembering certain aspects of their military time or want to ensure that their stories are as detailed and accurate as possible.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">Collaboration </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">Start reminiscing! My Stories Matter makes it easy to connect with others and share your stories in a collaborative environment. This provides a sense of community and support and can enrich and enhance your own stories by hearing the perspectives of others who have shared similar experiences.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">Helpful Tips </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">My Stories Matter has several resources and tips to help you record your stories in the most effective way possible. These can include advice on organizing your thoughts, structuring your stories, and overcoming any challenges or obstacles, you may encounter. Whether you're a seasoned military veteran or a recruit just starting, My Stories Matter can provide the tools and support you need to record your military stories in an impactful way.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">Record your Military Stories </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">By sharing your stories with others who have shared similar experiences, you can form relationships and bonds that offer support and camaraderie. This can be especially helpful for those who may feel isolated or disconnected from others and can give a sense of belonging and community.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5e71ca9b-7fff-93a6-8c34-13f9d0f91abd">With My Stories Matter, recording and sharing your stories has never been easier. So why not take the first step and start recording your military stories today?</b></p>


The Importance of Recording Your Military Stories and How My Stories Matter Can Help

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<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">Recording your parent's life stories is a meaningful way to preserve their memories and experiences for the long term. You can revisit those memories anytime and share your parent's experiences with others. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">But with so many options for recording your parent's life stories, it can be overwhelming to know where to start!</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="my stories matter">My Stories Matter</a> makes it easy and fun for parents to document and share their life stories online. With its user-friendly interface and secure platform, My Stories Matter provides a safe and private environment for recording your parent's life stories. This can be a great way to relive special moments with your parents, creating a sense of comfort and nostalgia.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">Here are several great reasons to record your parent’s life stories!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">Bond with Your Parents </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">Anyone you choose may read your stories; unlike most social media apps, My Stories Matter is tailored to your privacy. With My Stories Matter, you can share their stories with specific friends and family members or keep them private for enjoyment. This can be a great way to connect with others with similar experiences and provide a sense of community. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">Gain Insight </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">Recording your parent's life stories allows you to learn more about your parent's experiences and life journeys. By documenting their stories, you can gain insight into their lives and the world they grew up in. This can provide valuable context for your own life, and it can also help you to understand your parent's perspective better.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">Preserve Memories </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">Recording your parent's life stories can be a valuable tool for preserving their memories for future generations. By recording their memories on My Stories Matter, you can ensure that they are kept long-term and that future generations can enjoy them</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">Document Your Parent’s Life on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">How do you encourage your parents to document their life stories? One way is to talk to them and explain the benefits. You can also offer to help them with the process by providing a journal or recording device or sitting down with them and asking questions about their experiences. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f5b62c7f-7fff-39fa-6ebf-c21e077754e6">My Stories Matter lets you preserve all memories, not just your parents or <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/preserve-your-grandparents%E2%80%99-memories-on-my-stories-matter%C2%A0" title="parents life stories">grandparents</a>! While everything is fresh, start recording memories today and create a lasting family legacy. </b></p>


The Importance of Recording Your Parent's Life Stories: How My Stories Matter Can Help


<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-19250" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-12-28T184548.763.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=jAA18YFwRdwW3WiRXyIdjjMzWANzWhIk1zqyi8r7wh6ROduo29mDtmP%2BQAaBrExYbH%2FqyYB5GHEbIfUumywsXhKHUnfgN5tJrPk1z14399vdKfIJkBl6Lqu%2B9W03Z9MngT1mrlNt%2Fdfol69TnsVpEh57J5muoNdDWskfyR9aclijxsB3tgWz6AZeI38pjAhAINyMYfDq8yriz3Z%2BgXlpJOxyDS813oj4AaW0hgcFjws6%2BgzpL8t4DJkmtQ7ZJo7UDDQTJ22%2Be8q11vLjihxbDDQKFVb2S0ZNhIXIMf03rte4RN3MzwriMzT3xo22CsAW8rAwRSuHjWAfN8HIEBse2w%3D%3D" alt="person holding photographs" />  </div>

  
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<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">As our grandparent's age, it's essential to ensure their memories are preserved for future generations. Our grandparents have a wealth of knowledge and experiences, and their memories can give us a unique glimpse into the past. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">But as time passes, these memories can fade and be lost forever. Fortunately, here are a few tips on preserving your grandparents’ memories. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">Let’s go! </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">Ask Questions</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">One of the best ways to preserve a grandparent's memories is to ask about their childhood, experiences during major historical events, or daily life. Asking questions can help jog our grandparent's memory and allow them to share their experiences with us.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">Record Their Stories </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">Another way to preserve a grandparent's memories is to record them. This can be a written journal, voice recording, or video. Recording their stories allows us to capture their memories and enjoy them.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">Share Their Stories</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">In addition to recording their stories, it's also important to share them with others. Sharing a grandparent's memories with friends and family can help keep those memories alive and allow others to learn from and appreciate them. It can also be a great way to connect with others with similar experiences and foster a sense of community.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">Preserve your Grandparents’ Memories on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="grandparents' memories ">My Stories Matter</a> is an excellent resource for protecting a grandparent's memories. With its easy-to-use tools and secure platform, My Stories Matter makes it simple to record and share a grandparent's memories and stories.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ed5965c7-7fff-c2d2-856e-f35fd9367bdd">By asking questions, recording their stories, and sharing them with others, we can ensure our grandparents' memories are preserved for years to come. And with the help of a platform like My Stories Matter, preserving these memories can be fun and easy!</b></p>


Preserve your Grandparents’ Memories on My Stories Matter 

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-19227" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-12-22t171055876jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-12-22T171055.876.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-12-22T171055.876.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=aGlr4bfBoXg%2BCiHnIIAbCVepfwkU8AbrGxRgH%2BO7pCFDyEy9%2B5r4J8g%2Fu4qF1YkYjDV5WxZceskbXhSG6ISanCfs7G1v3AAKZtXlQ4mu0jGIpmRFHjGHcfi6gxW53Fx32Ay7R%2BfmMbEIFIKLtKO0EOtp%2BiQOlAHBcaUi7iNkIECs5LAF4xgmZrcEctj%2B9TItuuN0pD2c3u6zrnbUdC4b9E0KXqOuLCvVFwapLquIYAFAa5waqTN%2B7VfbJi%2Bgry2t%2BrzhoBMnXIdvDUSJP9Gbavhey4ysOUcWtT%2B7emdMKjTNU37zNaMyEOT3zpqEXUJCpHZJ85i2Pp2Rrla4SUpHAA%3D%3D" alt="Photos on a line" />  </div>

  
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<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">Passing down life lessons is an essential part of being a parent, mentor, or role model. By sharing our experiences and wisdom with the next generation, we can help them to navigate their own lives and make informed decisions. This can be a great way to give back and positively impact the world. But with so many life lessons to pass on, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.</b></p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">My Stories Matter makes it easy and fun to document and share our life stories online. Its user-friendly interface and secure platform make it simple to capture and preserve our memories and experiences for the long term.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">By sharing our stories and experiences, we can foster a sense of community and support those going through similar experiences. This can be especially important for parents, who can use My Stories Matter to document their life lessons and share them with their children.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">Passing down life lessons allows us to reflect on our own experiences and learn from them. We can gain insight into our lives and the world around us. This can be a valuable tool for personal growth and development and help us better understand our perspectives and experiences.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">But what kind of life lessons should we be passing down? There are countless to pass on, but here are a few ideas to get you started:</b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">The importance of hard work and perseverance</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">The value of education and lifelong learning</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">The power of positive thinking and attitude</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">The importance of taking care of your health and well-being</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">The importance of relationships and communication</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">The value of honesty and integrity</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">The power of forgiveness and letting go</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">The importance of staying true to yourself and your values</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">The value of giving back and helping others</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-4da51fb6-7fff-f03c-fe25-de4551dcbe8a">These are just a few examples of the many life lessons we can pass down to the next generation. Start using <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="My Stories Matter">My Stories Matter</a> today!</b></p>


The Importance of Passing Down Life Lessons: How My Stories Matter Can Help


<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">Do you have many special memories you don’t want to forget, but nowhere to keep them? </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">Whether it's a collection of photos and mementos from a trip or a catalog of your childhood memories, a Life Stories Book is a fun and creative way to keep those memories alive. There are <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-reasons-to-record-your-life/" title="memory book ">so many mental and physical health benefits</a> to logging your life. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">We’ve compiled seven essential steps that you can follow to create your very own Life Stories Book. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">Let’s dive in!</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-771e110c-7fff-2164-4507-391d5c83e01c"><img alt="family memories" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/lt0wbsT8deHUHxrvO0VcIioljZw9zuASicwO7BsFsGIWUFPb0_y25AtBtgbOrVaxRF4RI38CVB51XGjUCzBzE-7Bt97Q8nyLu2qrTaOOUUTKmE4wIYK9lC70Bu1F57-MhBph1YF77D97U7ze7xWenKHHYy1WBilKid9huunIYBVYVGD-fqS3vRKccBPzJQ" /></b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">1. Gather Your Materials </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">First, you'll need to gather all the materials you'll need to create your Life Stories Book. This will include a scrapbook or photo album, scissors, glue or adhesive, and any other decorative items you'd like to use (such as stickers, ribbons, or glitter). You'll also need photos and other mementos that you want to include.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">2. Choose a Theme </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">Before you start putting your Life Stories Book together, choosing a theme for your book can be helpful. This could be lessons you learned in life, annual family vacations, or the type of relationships or hobbies you’ve had. Choosing a theme will help you organize your book and make it more cohesive.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">3. Organize Your Photos and Mementos</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">Once you have all your materials, it's time to organize them. Try to sort your pictures and mementos chronologically so your book tells the story of your journey or event in order. Or, you could assemble it by theme, focusing on a different memory or topic. For example, a book about family vacations can be organized by destination. If you’re looking for a place to do both, join <a href="http://mystoriesmatter.com" title="Memory book ">My Stories Matter</a> for free. On My Stories Matter, we automatically collect your memories into a timeline and help you group your memories.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">4. Start Putting Your Life Stories Book Together! </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">Begin laying out your photos and mementos on a flat surface, and arrange them to appear in your book. If you're using a scrapbook, you can use adhesive to attach your photos and mementos to the pages. You can slip your images into photo sleeves or slots provided using a photo album. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">5. Add Captions and Other Details </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">As you arrange your photos and mementos in your Life Stories Book, add captions and other details to help tell the story of your memories. Include the date and location of each image and any interesting stories or information on the memory you want to share. For example, add what you felt or what happened right before and after the photo was taken. This will help bring your memories to life and make your memory book more interesting. If you have black and white photos and want them colorized for free, upload them to memory on <a href="http://mystoriesmatter.com" title="Memory book ">My Stories Matter</a>.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5f2a801c-7fff-0f6a-d5bd-3c49075161f1"><img alt="Boy in photograph " src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/qPD3zAr1RQSXjNkgFy4dnPmO94wLrBSCc-3iz_GyeYPaS0qvcCtnkujgi-hVZ4qXG8Ds9OaN46IEUm6SPHWzH464pUG31j5GsSb8Z43q5d38AF2WsCIgB6dMxH_WsC5aO222XjuSGlA3l0tLji4NKxC33baRQ0fo3hhYr4lrC2RBZ6iR7Qc0n4twCB9tJw" /></b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">6. Review and Make any Necessary Changes </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">Now, take some time to review and make any necessary changes. This could include rearranging your photos and mementos, adding or removing any elements, or making other changes that will help improve your book. Once satisfied, you can consider it complete and ready to share with others.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">Create a Life Stories Book on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and personal Life Stories Book that you'll be proud to share with others. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab">But the best place to do this is in <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Memory book ">My Stories Matter</a>, where you can record your memories and life stories for free and get a beautiful Life Stories Book designed. Once you publish memories on My Stories Matter, you can submit your memories to be made into a book. Our team designs the book and coordinates details with you via email. You’ll get to choose between cover options, hardcover vs. softcover, paper quality, etc., to fit any budget range. You only pay once you approve it, and we’ll send it to one of our partner print publishers. You don’t have to do anything but record your memories, submit them, and we take care of the rest! <a href="https://issuu.com/mystoriesmatter/docs/sample-book-issuu" title="Memory book ">See</a> a sample of what yours could look like!</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1451199a-7fff-195d-e7d9-1babf28636ab"><a href="https://book.mystoriesmatter.com" title="Memory book ">Start creating</a> your Life Stories Book today! </b></p>


How to Create a Life Stories Book 

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18752" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">Our views change as we gain experience, and old memories vanish as new ones replace them. Wouldn't it be nice if you could write down your memories immediately so you can hand them down to future generations? </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">In February 2010, scientist <a href="https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20191202-can-lifelogging-really-help-you-live-more-intensely" title="record your life">Morris Villarroel</a> did just that. He began his ambitious 10-year experiment of keeping a record of his life.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">"Wouldn't it be helpful to have a more thorough and tangible record of my life?" He thought. That way, he would benefit from remembering more of his history and how to make the most of his remaining time and live more purposefully.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">So he began taking notes about his whereabouts and activities throughout the day. Thanks to the reflections he recorded about his professional experiences, such as teaching classes and lecturing at conferences, he found he could gain more from those experiences. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">Significant evidence shows that keeping a diary may <a href="https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/learning-by-thinking-how-reflection-improves-performance" title="record your life">improve happiness and life satisfaction. </a> For instance, researchers examined a group of participants and discovered that <a href="https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/learning-by-thinking-how-reflection-improves-performance" title="Record your life">keeping a daily notebook for only 10 minutes increased their performance by more than 20%</a>!</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">Here are four reasons to record your life, whether in an <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-an-autobiography/" title="record your life">autobiography</a>, journaling, or simply <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-relive-a-memory/" title="record your life">saving your memories</a>.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18753" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-07T215347.151.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=kBc7vDF29E8y5qkfRnB5OZsqHExq52ffNYrhAvvyOHt70lpvYwIJdJmYIUtksLdMktgQ2udKb9M7qKb0m8Ompb8IYi6xJDB3k0gpiJeGXCtGt2NkNImIdY9RPcpvh%2FIk2NRU72r4g0enkE3NDUGU4vB9QoDRqu8fBLMcqqHN9ZAPumJjXiML0G7FSH83R22fsbz%2BaZ58CUYz7oJaW%2Fo1plVpzTMbWusNhSMqknQBBr1dVsoqoWEm0SRgKXaKzmlLIO4%2BegTdkBDj63xkuqFXazlTrKGOwmm55YoYxMyZbAeF1gvDXQPWV4w5Rit6SPU6dg8mMdcGekCt2fLgc6GOgQ%3D%3D" alt="Woman journaling in outdoors" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c0302f47-7fff-ffc6-67fa-5fe81222f16e">Leave a Legacy</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c0302f47-7fff-ffc6-67fa-5fe81222f16e">In today’s fast-paced world, there never seems to be enough time to sit down with family and share stories about your upbringing, childhood years, or the life lessons you’ve accumulated. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c0302f47-7fff-ffc6-67fa-5fe81222f16e">But by<a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-your-legacy-story/" title="record your life"> recording your life story</a>, you'll help future generations better understand their origins. You can make it possible for them to know who you were, your life, and the moments that formed you. And you can impart your wisdom to make their lives easier.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c0302f47-7fff-ffc6-67fa-5fe81222f16e">A future great-grandchild might identify with your story or find inspiration that could change their life!</b></p>
<p> </p>
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-07T215507.905.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=HQaiKUgrTctiEVSmri67cvdvPavh8c%2BRX5Eue5BForg7lBbPBKtEHkKGVukhsUZ1ipyT%2FxgZh5M20vMARgEpIFYnKIUAH3H6jIpujOLrdaTojqxlxLjyRzhOJJCnw7F3Cc7Mz9o%2BkkDRKvAIhfmK%2F05rVV7MdjCtZHMRACI%2BEhnR2x4tNRpoR6Q2jn1QvK9VrXXDd%2BIUdG9k%2FiATIS1vxYnTVokADQ3c3Gzjz95iuv8yeCKaC8uNyF%2FEu11zat2OqMdYeq%2BzefkEkradUb2Bk09IamhppRtL5I6WEYPyLAVeUzmWEIoHR2UIegWXoNmrfpq7wMIdsyDO5ncGvbLUYQ%3D%3D" alt="Notebook on grass" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">Exercise Your Mind</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">Losing one’s memory is a common concern of people as they age. Exercising one’s mind is just as crucial as exercising one’s body. “Use it or lose it,” as the saying goes. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">Did you know that memoirs written by ordinary people, not celebrities, are the fast-growing genre of publishing today? Those authors are people, just like you. You have more to write about than you realize.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">You might think, “I’m not a writer,” or “I don’t know what to write about.” However, you don’t need to be a “gifted” writer to record your life. Your children and grandchildren will only care about “what” you wrote, not “how.”</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">There are many ways to find inspiration! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="record your life">My Stories Matter</a> has over a thousand prompts and cultural cues to trigger your memory and inspire writing. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">You can also upload your photos and bring them to life by telling the stories behind them!  <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-best-tips-for-capturing-life-stories/" title="record your life">Tap into the ways</a> to record your life that suit you. </b></p>
<p> </p>
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<p> </p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ac687ae6-7fff-869c-aa24-6b70551be1e4">Raise Self-Awareness </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ac687ae6-7fff-869c-aa24-6b70551be1e4">Self-awareness focuses on how you feel, act, and think. It all comes down to being aware of your psychological triggers and recurring behaviors.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ac687ae6-7fff-869c-aa24-6b70551be1e4">Increasing self-awareness may promote empathy for others, acceptance, and new perspectives on life. A popular method to increase self-awareness is journaling or self-reflective writing. Making a timeline and looking back on your past experiences can help you to obtain fresh insight or healing.</b></p>
<p> </p>
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-07T220421.421.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=O0ujE3%2Fmx9bH88onNsd2tKsUBhIM%2Bjrb5ky4dwPgzD0G4r3GdaeANXPF%2BhIDcDClRqO57SyvZWumv9Kxdf7piKhDIjKe6yr1qloazxEMOHDE1HkFUkQADg05JHmnznzKdBHfY3uTNCeRtd76BOGQnRxxf3ifSohgXGigefY6Peu2ITRw%2BhFh9bU3csXaoo5tp6ZRtGkKmZdPUuM%2FU6D3wUF438UzxnDJ3jbwkq%2BCDLAhXI8bMqRrac%2FdpG%2BfEs7iha8kc4uCDK36eRpiJo%2Ft1R9aqR5W%2Bbf5cjLqsOgus4xguVytIKBJEDw%2BELiSTlT6gxpr8nylb5Pks8Za%2Btdy3g%3D%3D" alt="A man playing with his dog" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-056883ee-7fff-974f-b081-0738fdefe04b">Preserve your Family History </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-056883ee-7fff-974f-b081-0738fdefe04b">Have you ever wondered where your talents, disposition, likes, and dislikes originate? You might uncover that information when you <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/sharing-memories--5-unique-ways-you-haven't-thought-of/" title="record your life">share your life stories with family members</a>. When you recollect the details and images of your loved ones, you may learn a lot about yourself. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-056883ee-7fff-974f-b081-0738fdefe04b">What would life be like without those detours? These distinctions make a great story. That embarrassing childhood moment is now precious. <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/5-tips-for-collecting-family-stories/" title="record your life">Preserve your family history and pass on</a> the highs, lows, and in-between. </b></p>
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-07T220548.415.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=cohP3MSSyNgVHzbBnBz8hz7PhyKqF4INkqUT8dUDyLsuveRpT2gDxPaPOuJeLT1vgKef3c1mCS5rYwiDQbMyN7UclV9eb6Qqc6%2FNY8N4vpbpZZlBx0vwIPLFSGx9DWIe3MaBrr%2F9uMseRXOT%2FMO2SuWQwTR7XSdExkRPtgVWRycq%2BSYhduEiELhhpbnUSCAWrVfFBRienU1SNmBz0ARZ%2BG3hUEqweYKKk3EdvmbjMs2O9rvh1RZQuPb%2FRt8LdSjBQlk%2BUUVUCUTDVvHV2mu67TwjKtcWxwSHzSEKlHIF0qGhBYW%2BR47sVO9eUUAK3MBwZSYpoB7Q4mCq9nvDJ4eQJw%3D%3D" alt="Group of people enjoying music" />  </div>

  
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<p> </p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">Record your Life on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">My Stories Matter has thousands of prompts and cultural cues to help you record your life. You can: </b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">Add voice recordings of a loved one for posterity </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">Tell the stories behind your family photos </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">Upload your old black-and-white photos and see them automatically colorized</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">Create a lasting legacy </b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">You can easily record the memories of your life and your loved ones. Your children, and their children, will thank you.</b></p>


4 Reasons to Record Your Life

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18674" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">When you get together with friends or family, do their stories make you laugh, smile, or cry? </b></p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Stories bind us together and make life enjoyable. Albert Einstein <a href="https://www.kumon.co.uk/blog/if-you-want-your-children-to-be-intelligent-read-them-fairy-tales-if-you-want-them-to-be-more-intelligent-read-them-more-fairy-tales-albert-einstein/#:~:text=If%20you%20want%20them%20to,fairy%20tales.%22%20%2D%20Albert%20Einstein" title="storytelling">said</a>, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales.”</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">What do political campaigns, podcasts, and advertising all have in common? All of them leverage the power of storytelling. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Here are four interesting facts about storytelling: humanity’s most incredible and powerful tool. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">1. Stories cause your brain to release positive neurochemicals</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Storytelling is an excellent way to forge relationships. A group of UK researchers discovered that listening to stories caused <a href="https://hbr.org/2014/10/why-your-brain-loves-good-storytelling" title="storytelling ">people to produce oxytocin</a>, a neurochemical linked to feelings of love and empathy. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">The quickest way to connect with a stranger is to share a personal story. The more oxytocin is released, the more we internalize that story. When we listen to someone else's experience, we also live it. Why else do we treat our favorite fictional characters like real people?</b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">2. All of us are storytellers</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Storytelling is in humanity’s DNA and found in every culture. The delivery mechanisms have changed over the millennia, from the Epic of Gilgamesh etched onto clay tablets to the oral traditions of the ancient Greeks, the printed word, and digital technology. However, our desire to tell our stories and to connect with others has remained constant.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">What did you and your friend talk about today? Storytelling accounts for<a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-secrets-of-storytelling/" title="storytelling "> 65% of our daily conversations</a>. Most of your discussions involve a fun gym experience, interaction with coworkers, and vacations. Our minds tell stories even at night when dreaming. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">3. The majority of Hollywood films have the same basic plot </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">The "hero's journey" is a narrative structure in most popular movies. Scientists believe this <a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_stories_change_brain" title="storytelling ">story form is profoundly ingrained in our collective consciousness and may have been a tool for our forebears to foster morality and trust</a>. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero%27s_journey" title="storytelling ">The hero's journey</a> is a popular narrative archetype or story template. The protagonist embarks on an adventure, learns a lesson, triumphs with that knowledge, and ultimately transforms before returning home.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">This can directly be applied to real life, as well. You are the hero in your journey through life. What stories can you share about the challenges you have overcome and how you have grown, such as the lessons you have learned, where your journey has taken you, etc.?  </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">4. Storytelling is timeless </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Storytelling predates human language. The earliest humans shared information and made sense of their world via storytelling. You may find instances of this old-fashioned method of communication in the Lascaux caves. The early Homo sapiens who lived there used murals to tell stories.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>The earliest story </b><b id="docs-internal-guid-64803229-7fff-1d93-8253-d4e19427c08d"><a href="https://www.getty.edu/news/where-did-writing-come-from/" title="storytelling ">ever recorded</a> </b><b>was penned in 3,400 BCE! The "</b><b id="docs-internal-guid-10eee2a8-7fff-72e5-8dba-3905331b08eb"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_of_Gilgamesh" title="storytelling ">Epic of Gilgamesh</a>,"</b><b> an adventure-filled narrative about a monarch named Gilgamesh, described as a one-third man and two-thirds deity, is the oldest known work of literature. As told throughout twelve clay tablets, he embarks on a conventional hero's journey, killing monsters, mingling with the gods, and looking for the secret of immortality. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Gilgamesh mentions a great flood that is considered to be the antecedent of the story of Noah’s Ark. Similar stories exist in Indian and Aztec cultures.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Even variations of the Cinderella story have been <a href="https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/resources/multicultural" title="storytelling ">retold hundreds of times throughout history</a>!</b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Storytelling on My Stories Matter</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Experience these four facts of storytelling by writing your own! Share the stories of your hero's journey through life on My Stories Matter, or be inspired by the stories from your family, friends, and other members!</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Relive your time spent traveling abroad or visiting your grandparents. Share your reflections about a foreign culture or a life lesson you learned. My Stories Matter keeps all your cherished memories safe and accessible.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">What memories and wisdom do you want to pass on to future generations? Relive your time spent traveling abroad or visiting your grandparents. Share your reflections about a foreign culture or a life lesson you learned. My Stories Matter keeps all your cherished memories safe and accessible.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Share your stories with the meaningful people in your life. Use our unique collaboration feature to co-write a shared memory and capture their perspectives or fill in any missing gaps. The storytelling never ends! </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-82ed3f29-7fff-db18-14ab-702d84cfc661">Preserve the stories of the people, events, and experiences that shaped who you are. By revisiting the past, you can discover more about yourself.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ec6cd453-7fff-ec80-123a-04a7e6d58bbc"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="storytelling ">Sign up</a></b><b> for free today and start storytelling! </b></p>


4 Surprising Facts about Storytelling

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18667" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Why is keeping a journal so beneficial?</b></p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling improves a person's general quality of life and mental and physical health. Not only that, you’ll eternally have a record of your life that you can always look back on and never feel judged for expressing yourself. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">If you’re new to journaling, you’ve come to the right place.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In this post, we'll look at five science-backed advantages of journaling. Let’s dive in!</b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Eases Anxiety </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Many people struggle with anxiety. If you’re one of them, take up journaling! Keeping a journal is a good stress management strategy. After all, emotion-focused writing is connected <a href="https://mental.jmir.org/2018/4/e11290/" title="journaling ">with lower mental discomfort and greater well-being</a>.  </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In a study with 70 people with high anxiety levels, writing online for 12 weeks <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305886/" title="journaling ">dramatically lessened</a> their mental anguish. In addition, patients, families, and medical staff from a children’s hospital reported feeling<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6907914/" title="journaling "> less stressed</a> after performing the following journaling exercise:</b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Writing three things they are grateful for</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Writing the story of their life in six words</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Writing three wishes they had</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Go ahead - try that exercise for yourself!</b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Helps with Past Trauma </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">When a loved one has passed away, keeping a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/8-creative-ways-to-keep-the-memory-of-a-loved-one-alive/" title="journaling ">journal may help you grieve healthily</a>. You have the privacy to work through your feelings and maintain some form of communication with your loved one. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling can aid in reducing the psychological anguish we experience in response to trauma. For example, people who journaled for 15 minutes each day reported <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455605000699?via%3Dihub" title="journaling ">feeling less depressed, anxious, or hostile</a>. </b></p>
<p><b>Even those who struggle with severe illnesses benefit from journaling! Those with post-traumatic stress disorder engaging in expressive writing exercises experienced their moods </b><b id="docs-internal-guid-65c9fffe-7fff-d740-0ab0-cfac7d8e6d05"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18230238/" title="journaling ">significantly improving and their stress hormone reactions to painful memories decreasing.</a> </b> </p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Decreases Depression </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Depression is nothing to be ashamed of; globally, <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression" title="journaling ">5% of adults suffer from depression</a>. However, the natural remedy of journaling helps ease depression. Journaling can be as helpful as cognitive-behavioral therapy in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17007812/" title="journaling ">lowering the risk of depression</a> in young people. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Did you know that when people with severe depressive illnesses wrote for 20 minutes each day for three days about their most intense thoughts and feelings related to an emotional experience, their depression ratings <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23790815/" title="journaling ">significantly decreased</a>?</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In addition, students who journaled about their most intense emotions the month before a major exam experienced <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9364758/" title="journaling ">fewer depressive symptoms</a> since they didn't focus as much on intrusive thoughts. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Increases Gratitude </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Listing your blessings has become more popular over the past several years. But there’s truth to it! Journaling <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10447-017-9289-8" title="journaling ">encourages thankfulness</a> - of all things! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In one study, journaling weekly was <a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/pdfs/GratitudePDFs/6Emmons-BlessingsBurdens.pdf" title="journaling ">linked to more pronounced increases in general optimism</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Try a Gratitude Journal! Every night, set aside five minutes to jot down the three things you are most thankful for. They don't need anything big or significant; they can be as simple as the rain on your windowsill or your favorite cup of coffee. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Sharpens Your Memory </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Is there a particular event you don’t want to forget? Such as hiking through the Himalayas, that Sunday picnic, or a family reunion? Your first kiss? </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/sharing-memories--5-unique-ways-you-haven't-thought-of/" title="journaling ">Keeping a journal helps enhance your working memory. </a></b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In one study, first-year college students who wrote down their thoughts and feelings had <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-18060-012" title="journaling ">less intrusive and avoidant thoughts during the day</a>, which allowed more space for remembering. Similarly, college-bound teenagers who wrote in-depth about their feelings and ideas regarding college showed <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/sep01/keepdiary" title="journaling ">improved short-term memory and academic performance</a>. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">When you journal, those precious memories never have to fade; you can <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-relive-a-memory/" title="journaling ">relive them over and over</a>. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journal on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Start the journal you've always wanted! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">You can create a virtual backup of your essential work so that you may view, modify, and download it whenever you choose and group your journal entries into Collections.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Unlike other social media apps, your private journal entries are only visible to you. However, you can also choose to share specific entries with friends.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="journaling ">Sign up for free</a> and begin journaling today! </b></p>


The Many Cognitive Benefits of Journaling

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<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Are there just some memories you don't want to forget? </b></p>

<p><b>We’ve all been there. While remembering everything isn’t possible, there are activities you can do to help prevent memory loss. That summer ice cream cone in the park, that family reunion in the mountains, your first kiss doesn’t have to fade into oblivion. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Keep your mind fresh with these six foolproof, easy actions!</b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Exercise </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Exercise keeps blood flowing through your brain, not just your body, keeping your memory sharp. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic exercise, such as jogging, spread throughout the week.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">If you don't have time for a full workout, squeeze in a few 10-minute walks a day! Exercise apps are a great motivator to track how much you work out.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Numerous studies have demonstrated that exercise may<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5091051/" title="memory loss"> boost the release of neuroprotective proteins and enhance the growth and development of neurons</a>, both of which contribute to better brain health—a lower risk of dementia linked<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32342466/" title="memory loss"> to regular exercise in midlife</a>. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Challenge your Brain </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Similar to physical exercise, mental exercise is just as important! Mental stimulation keeps your brain engaged and healthy, keeping memory loss at bay. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Try something you’ve never done before! Whether it’s crossword puzzles, playing chess, cards, scrabble, musical instruments, learning a new language, reading a new book, joining a book club, or doing charity work. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">For example, research involving 42 people with moderate cognitive impairment discovered that spending 8 hours per week for four weeks playing games on a brain-training app <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569993/" title="memory loss">improved performance on memory tests</a>. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Socialize </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, contributing to memory loss. Those stimulating conversations with friends and family keep our minds engaged and challenged. Therefore, look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, especially if you live alone. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memory loss">My Stories Matter</a> is a great place to collaborate with friends and family! However, hanging out with friends or family is not always possible due to the current times. As time goes by, details might get blurry. Work with family or friends to fill in the blanks or ask about their memories of a shared event.</b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Sleep Right</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Memory consolidation, the process through which short-term memories are turned into long-lasting memories, critically depends on sleep. Adults typically require <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4434546/" title="memory loss">seven to nine hours</a> of sleep every night. Inadequate sleep causes memory loss.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">A study examined the impact of sleep on 40 kids between 10 and 14. One had training for memory tests in the evening, followed by testing the next morning. The memory tests showed a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3413705/" title="memory loss">20% improvement in performance</a>. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">In addition, nurses who worked the night shift had <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3413705/" title="memory loss">higher rates of arithmetic mistakes and worse memory test scores (68% lower) </a>than those who worked the day shift. Your brain can analyze the day's events and create memories as you sleep. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Meditate </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Your health will benefit in a variety of ways through meditation. Research has shown that it <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4895748/" title="memory loss">may lower blood pressure, lessen tension and discomfort, and even help with memory</a>. People’s short-term memory <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24571182/" title="memory loss">may be improved by meditation and relaxation approaches</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">For instance, one study found that Taiwanese college students who practiced mindfulness and other forms of meditation had <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657094/" title="memory loss">significantly better spatial working memory than those who did not</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Mindful Meditation is associated with an overall <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5289973/" title="memory loss">improvement in psychological well-being and a decreased risk of age-related cognitive decline</a>. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Eat Healthy </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Although you might only associate healthy food with benefits to your heart and waistline, your brain also benefits greatly. Obesity can alter the brain's genes connected to memory, which has a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728728/" title="memory loss">detrimental impact on memory</a>. Inflammation and insulin resistance, which can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5317178/" title="memory loss">damage the brain</a>, are further consequences of obesity.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">What you eat influences your memory. For example, according to a new analysis of nine research involving more than 31,000 participants, people who eat more fruits and vegetables had <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5293796/" title="memory loss">lower odds of cognitive decline and dementia</a> than those who eat fewer healthy foods. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Reducing your sugar intake benefits both your memory and general wellness. A diet high in sugar links to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26970578/" title="memory loss">lower brain volume and memory problems</a>, especially in the portion of the brain that maintains short-term memory. More than 4,000 participants in another study discovered that those who consumed more sugary drinks like soda had, on average, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28274718/" title="memory loss">smaller overall brain sizes and worse memory</a> than those who consumed less sugar. </b><br />
	 </p>
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        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-84jpeg">resized-image-Promo (84).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2884%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=Q%2BO9QYY5ixLvOheVoRQtJCa8g5t6eBJvGui1965ttLQRe2ix3oYIt0sV3X4xRF5TSAGzZMAl0B3wRvUE7EE1vBBnm%2F3ked0HER8MtdFis0owJ9MKObAzNlui6V670Ji90ep%2Fa7Z4ye5ZvHGGv08cGvy1DLO6kT7nW82w%2BRmPvfLBfbb1g4q20ZRpzrmkgHnet9prQGB%2FimUgfDmIC8y7Z7EDNHLkdt9CWjdj7mS9xbOBP%2FZ1D2xIVJOZxxZCaaBy1wDoiQ7gQ2BegvLgxGclh3EUML7gStdN69BI6FhxkNmVmF3Dcj5HjtXStgHcxgUJJyDBqoR17nv89VoaOrzAVg%3D%3D" alt="girls sitting in a tree" />  </div>

  
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</div>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">My Stories Matter Here to the Rescue </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Try incorporating these scientifically proven strategies into your daily routine to improve your memory today!  </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memory loss">My Stories Matter</a> is custom-built to help with memory loss. Remember to capture memories while they are still vivid; your future self will appreciate them. <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memory loss">Sign up</a> for free today! </b></p>


6 Ways to Prevent Memory Loss (and It Has Nothing to do With Age)

<p>What's the first thought that comes to mind when you think about writing?</p>

<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>"What do I write?"</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>"I don't have the time to write."</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>"Writing is too much to think about."</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">Yep - we've been there too and know that these are all common pain points. That's why we spent a lot of time and effort reimagining the writing process in My Stories Matter. Our new memory editor is the first step towards our goal of making the writing process effortless.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">
	<b id="docs-internal-guid-f47dc72d-7fff-a8c6-ab43-093a05738dba">What’s new? </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-cb730890-7fff-e80b-7e8d-bc2776a1707f"><img alt="The new Memory Editor on the redesigned My Stories Matter." src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/HQ61uzfwrefNPqejDlqEbRhTQumhwqoDDNj39yMZSPjRbSv_FO_R3pzC0czaGnV_TLOdG-dcDHlEGBfjZdw9EbDFy8How-ItSARc4_o-mBDVLkH_B9RHxtWxe6xV7RxvVadDPKd5-r6Qi3bys1GCpnw4uqQrCAq_cGSnvp6AR2yd2i7Z9fIzy3D2iQ" /></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>A new Memory Editor: </strong>Our "less is more" approach places focus on your writing with a larger editor area and streamlined overall design in the new Memory Editor. Not only that, but prompts are now highlighted at the top when viewing and editing memories.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b><img alt="The new Image Gallery feature when viewing a memory in the redesigned application." src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/KURF3zn9rZRR7NZEj5O--zBqzHGLK9oWeRfuhJxu4k92WSjxpsZz0k5tSIByjWUfDVDhm_WX492H3jAn6KWjkWYxJpFEduDSL5T84_Ju0f6Apah1yCPAb9BMeAjt_BjcK_qXf6O7P64L6faAaBWcLrEk2g6ZaWnLCFoeFvETnLxYRoU-Jb6-yTp7-A" /></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Image Gallery:</b> Immerse yourself into your memories in a whole new way through our new Image Gallery! Click on each image to see the title and caption.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-a831975b-7fff-fa95-aa09-44ff092baa9e"><img alt="The Edit view to review your written work." src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Lci651fYMxhHTJkXzitQ1hyuKxVeHy-QXV_CY2-AYdlWqWruRRB0EkONUR0MDTxFHftuVhtr6IkxL9Bbk6GHbv5phLNUjhwfUvNTWdXL6DZhYF13WedkBaGdFX_4Sp6A0N2qFEK8ZTix36N5Uz5eegF9f_uBZHhdNMxFmfD1NeBZn6oMAKsYYXqXIA" /></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Your in-progress work, in one place:</strong> See all your drafts together in the new Edit view.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f8c0af5a-7fff-6988-3790-ad4c4504085c"><img alt="Memories in the Recent feed, with a highlight over the new context menu." src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/UAiQpnXb7cTNQ9GYH0IQCPXs2lUUnY9lW5b5oq164KAPMvFKDgxCjhkqNvPkF32OasqYqdy-nFyXfv31RztdMKt4pF-jPQ1FT0j6oSviFdPBAh6E1DKe23KQ0OIF71HG8HeMaUTNde_pxszqtrGFk94AeMKKJy5Lwy3SnT7cJHD8onZOiwuJcoMiLQ" /></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>More from the Recent memories feed: </b>Quickly choose to make edits to your work by clicking the three dots on any memory to reveal a context menu. Additionally, you can now see the number of images a memory has when viewing memories in the Recent feed.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-86a5f78e-7fff-4cc3-694e-4949dfc2f39e">What’s coming?</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Inline images: </strong>You can place images within your writing between paragraphs.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Conversational collaboration: </strong>Instead of having to scroll back and forth to see who wrote what in a collaborative memory, we've taken a different approach. Just like a conversation, know exactly who said what when reading a memory.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Easily use free images:</strong> We're integrating with free online image sources, like Unsplash, where you can have the option to quickly search and insert images into your memory.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You can find the complete Release Notes <a href="https://www.craft.do/s/XmU3VrxH3sqcoA" name="Release Notes" title="Release Notes" id="Release Notes">here</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-3baa8107-7fff-f14e-6b51-a0df38d6e022">FAQs</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-77509241-7fff-7254-c5a4-a038ccedf48d">If I write a memory in the redesigned version, will it appear in the original version too?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">You can use the redesigned version simultaneously with the original version of My Stories Matter since they are connected to the same database. No need to choose one over the other!</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, since some of the capabilities are not available in the new version, your memories may look a little different in the original version.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1f2c67c5-7fff-b1d1-e6d8-d8b77624c798">Will memories look the same in the 1.1 redesign release and the original version of My Stories Matter?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Some aspects of your memory will not translate exactly back into the original My Stories Matter, and vice versa.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, absolutely no data will be lost in either version. For instance, if you add tags to your memory in the original version, those tags will not be visible in the current release of the redesign. They will appear when that feature is added in the near future.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have more questions for us? Send an email to <a href="mailto:hello@mystoriesmatter.com?subject=From%20the%20Blog%20-%20Questions%20about%20My%20Stories%20Matter&amp;body=What%20questions%20do%20you%20have%20for%20us%20about%20the%20redesigned%20My%20Stories%20Matter%3F" name="My Stories Matter Email" title="My Stories Matter Email" id="My Stories Matter Email">hello@mystoriesmatter.com</a>. We're more than happy to chat and see what you think!</p>


Making the writing process more enjoyable

New Ways to Write

<p>At My Stories Matter, we’ve been working to improve the experience of reminiscing and recording memories for all our members. We have begun a comprehensive redesign of our application, which we’re happy to announce is open for testing!</p>
<p>The redesigned version is currently available to people who primarily use My Stories Matter for journaling. <a href="https://forms.gle/82y2q2xMKS6HEn3r6" name="Join the waitlist" target="_blank" title="Join the waitlist" id="Join the waitlist">Join the waitlist</a> to get a sneak peak of the future of My Stories Matter.</p>
<p>Please note some of our favorite features aren’t quite ready yet, but don’t worry! We’re planning to include them in future releases.</p>
<p>These features include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Creating memories</li>
<li>Friend requests</li>
<li>Seeing other people’s memories</li>
<li>Comments on memories</li>
<li>Creating and editing collections</li>
<li>Collaboration on memories</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>Some of what’s changed</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Simplification and Clarity:</strong> We’ve worked on showing just the right amount of information to make everything easier to find.</p>
<p><strong>Lightning Speed:</strong> We know the speed of our original site was not up-to-par with where it needed to be. We’ve improved the load time dramatically and navigation is super quick.</p>
<p><strong>New Ways to Reminisce:</strong> We’re introducing improvements to the writing process to make it easier to capture your memories.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Why did My Stories Matter’s design change so much?</strong></p>
<p>From listening to our members and reflecting on the many ways we want to improve My Stories Matter it was time for a redesign. Driving the changes are these five goals:</p>
<ul>
<li>Improving the user experience</li>
<li>Revamping the writing process of memories</li>
<li>Better alignment with accessibility standards</li>
<li>Enhancing the privacy and sharing of memories</li>
<li>A more personalized experience</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Why can’t I see anyone else’s memories?</strong></p>
<p>Our first version of the redesign is intended for journaling, hence why all our normal social features are not currently available. Stay updated as we gradually roll out our other features, as well as new ones, with our blog.</p>
<p><strong>Do I have to use one version or the other?</strong></p>
<p>You can use the redesigned version simultaneously with the original version of My Stories Matter. No need to choose one over the other!</p>
<p>Have more questions for us? Send an email to support@mystoriesmatter.com. We’re more than happy to chat and see what you think!</p>


How we’re redesigning My Stories Matter for an improved, better experience

Onward and Upward

<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-14229" class="file file-image file-image-png">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/collaborationpng-0">collaboration.png</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/collaboration_0.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=kjm04t1gfuAxnBseKa5h53TPeXlIhwIk7Enelvs%2FplmGwsfKww50733NiqKFbJEd6ktybhKnS6MoRxHPTkrkJRG%2F8XzFbTgtORH1Gn502Wch%2BU3ItYlI%2BO0D0l1p4B6sRc4zL%2Fpklk5KcDKk0GpEjxqZn4SB9mMumWlw7hZeKj4DX2dwAWs3W2yXy2UYnsMYUbc8Kwy0rrsI8PG%2FtbiCmEJPZVQJkNhHiIw2%2FA72fqlu32Ap%2F5dusQd8Pg%2FnRu%2Fah1MKRqO1mpCxxAP8qoxeOhAyS6dfI0cieN7%2BIwo%2FzDQrlALBN7oHDygG9PLpxG%2F%2FxErpu0UE59L%2F9fRno%2FqhuQ%3D%3D" width="512" height="339" alt="Collaborate to get an accurate version of a story when it happened" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5f0b1f2d-7fff-c02f-890f-95819b4f4133">Have you ever noticed that listening to songs from your childhood makes you nostalgic? Or how the smell of a family recipe reminds you of summers at your grandparents? </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5f0b1f2d-7fff-c02f-890f-95819b4f4133">Believe it or not, we can resurface our life stories by revisiting songs, sights, and smells associated with experiences! </b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-14231" class="file file-image file-image-png">

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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Privacy%20concern_0.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=GDDuedE1e%2BR7j6fvgI3uzOSVTtVaf8uo2suYT8vb3dQCKlUbPRk4eVEKUDBVBs2ueH1sssJYhbqfG3a4BpUIJzilAqWSGa7pw6vUK194e4IjcP0wpALksVrcBdTt9d6FBky8gpHAeUGrIiw%2FgCCx0qLhd2ZCFJTuOcnQVFQzq%2B3C1Pb0sUUenwlGpxWG5maYWZQP%2FuvYeyu69jIQWF%2BlM9EggMsAagAU%2FA7ziiwnHPDz1wXf5qGWicY3TR6%2B5TCDYOly3ttZMCwE7Y8D%2Fce%2BlbxVKvoE%2F3xAQatHCrMbB5d2I0qQUmCY6isF5W4pHbR4MQVr9sHzyAq%2FJF0bwuNulA%3D%3D" alt="" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>

<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-41f08a60-7fff-0fdb-a4d8-0914baf668f3">Do you remember your favorite old Songs?</b></h1>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-41f08a60-7fff-0fdb-a4d8-0914baf668f3"> Sometimes those memory cues are a little too far, so to help you out, we have a digital memory lane at My Stories Matter that you can “walk” down. With playable songs on our timeline in the sidebar and pictures of nostalgic movies and events, it’s sure to help you remember many life stories. We discuss this concept more in-depth in <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/tapping-into-memories-with-music/" title="life stories">our other blog post</a>.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-14233" class="file file-image file-image-png">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/collectionpng-0">Collection.png</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/Collection_0.png?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=DfKTH8ZOuXGtGHbzjcOhOV8rWPk7%2Bmm%2FuTWBcetvIECezmYnB0gHZO7iM3xVuNEQVboeLgDZxIILM0r4sJDLLLujKBK%2BLtOH248AUDoORbBl3HEmMu8npTleaSf3Z7q5jB0MR9Qy8SPeB57Dy0k8a%2FtnsHgdDhkjWJILkRhjn1y9UIdnEidtuaN5sl26EL%2B5mXgCOBiBhZA5FJVdJ%2FLfKwtDLQxDkBX2nrvINAnW6U9eRbqEkuflGfelvS4Wjg1YZU5PdhbEsMpHK1AZ9CWqbanFYgyUEc0MUDOBMES9txD0Z3FFKaJ3SlValfwtZyFyVfXhn8V3byvdqCQDN05HXQ%3D%3D" width="512" height="341" alt="Collect your life stores into different categories" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>

<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-267a9235-7fff-4a01-18ad-89443b5a98fa">Be ready to capture life stories as they come</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-46b2e4cc-7fff-c58d-d16a-3e7a573119ba">Did something pop up in your head? It is on the top right of your screen. You will find it in the same spot on our mobile app! Use MindPops to jot it down and finish it later.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18700" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t231522071jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T231522.071.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T231522.071.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=bW9ytF%2BUR77vGXYIwbzrJgy25oitR6AjhauNGGY4aADz%2BT6PKeaCUPWoadOZ2SfcUTzUPHUEyeteXkrmXs6LYRuRB1ppF2KkZm99RJUaR9LWh2%2BzwmEA%2BoHqjLrVqgWxWpLhIvW0XDDZ9yNEvfGmUMyrEOgFy7psiB3S3gSk7h7qT4v368DnzR4rc1i0mtuIevY1PygVHVKWZ14CUwFNvAe7XubfA%2BYHZZR%2BIEFaDZoew4fsgJujDASMpLGYfnmxPuUinLDyuJDYxsdk6paaWxlAxvajLgyjxpHbFOaUmTEfVCWiUnu08QaYATXm6DL%2BoCyFCPNG%2BphBbSXhMdr6%2FQ%3D%3D" alt="four people standing at top of a hill" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>

<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c39a9603-7fff-a406-ea0c-99100308dbeb">Who has the correct version of the event?</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c39a9603-7fff-a406-ea0c-99100308dbeb">Noone’s memory is perfect. Most of our best life stories are ones we made with other people. If we work together, we can help paint the best picture of the memory. Collaboration can be found on the right side when you click ‘add a memory. </b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18701" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t231713194jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T231713.194.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="7" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T231713.194.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=b5SpY2oMfJYK7bN9F97QBf%2FuI43vgSWADTk7KNYXG%2BOJPkrnagn%2FZlKE9h7%2F%2BRGVSHZfNa9QKwVEoRXH5i0vOr2fAy0gCoJl06Ow3A9U%2BI%2BUEuodCUzzLEoyjaV6%2FALA4AmucQ9OgxvywuyaCrAzriPbjhJAq8c%2B4%2BO%2F69Cy%2FbokKf%2FX7EjL9Qw5BOE7kdoXZdAMTDCai4jgHYZg3K2IxmDALA5j83VjpDymY9ffMS5Qp%2FHftLPEB%2FCkHUNfPAc1ydR9Okeu7jDn3%2FR3qv2LYy27vRFo0M%2FIBelWVaU18nBWOfH0vuYpBbmXLOj1pKQV3IDRkyh4VclalUq5yweuhQ%3D%3D" alt="parent and child on a log" />  </div>

  
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<p> </p>

<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-50b3c5a5-7fff-da95-8c90-af0b3f34bcb2">Don’t worry about perfection</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-50b3c5a5-7fff-da95-8c90-af0b3f34bcb2">While grammar and spelling are essential in an academic and professional setting, it doesn't matter on My Stories Matter when capturing your life stories. Only you can choose who sees your personal life lessons when you add memory. We do not currently nor plan to sell your information to anyone.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18702" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t232039356jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T232039.356.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T232039.356.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=eD16jiMJPEoiev7VHbSbXCJk%2Fivqz3lfro1BdwCVvBh7gqC%2BlqCGHf3fMPBn3EDrDcYc14gNK9ugwZrnxdIB7kfWvur9gtt6r2Tr%2F61mv9KRF7GXR%2BStTbFm%2FXf8FHjbKFsTmKMZySQ6ko2a93qge5kATbBp8YstdpvoxRqRUHlyBASAFCe%2Ff7ZZGp7yjPjT0B6LfyQAB1yoWi%2F75B2M2%2Fik9iOj1QGA%2BoibrizBp%2F9HOyhI%2BpbKkljIvGsaTOk3DL%2FnAj2k6ww9Omb7uSpEr%2BTr8ncqRTwCtEpNyuKPt1jIOtAp%2Bu7IBnJrIOYaJizidmU5n8PinAxcrKSctfK70Q%3D%3D" alt="Shallow focus of sprout" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9ec9c5cb-7fff-e612-50fe-e3c866144c61">Organize into Collections</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9ec9c5cb-7fff-e612-50fe-e3c866144c61">Group your memories into different categories! Like how you have folders of your dog pictures, you can also categorize your memories! Like your memories, we keep your memory collections private so only those you allow can see them.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9ec9c5cb-7fff-e612-50fe-e3c866144c61">Want to know more? Sign up at <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="life stories">MyStoriesMatter</a> today! You can also reach out to us for any questions or comments.</b></p>


5 Best Tips for Capturing Life Stories

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<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-6f08ca32-7fff-50ea-5a1e-9e2655b0c8b9">You have a dream vacation coming up. You want to enjoy and remember it as much as possible. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-6f08ca32-7fff-50ea-5a1e-9e2655b0c8b9">Photos, of course, are obligatory. They serve as beautiful external reminders of enjoyable times you had. But sometimes, capturing images is at the expense of living in the moment and fully immersed in what’s happening.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-6f08ca32-7fff-50ea-5a1e-9e2655b0c8b9">Fortunately, we carry deeper, internal reminders with us 24/7: our memories. But our memories are only sometimes as readily available as we might like, especially as we get older. But there’s a tool we can deploy to help us—music.</b></p>
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9fcf8d3f-7fff-27b8-b91e-bb98abc71c64">Memory Cues: What the Science Says</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9fcf8d3f-7fff-27b8-b91e-bb98abc71c64">Strong evidence suggests that nearly everything we experience is stored in our long-term memory in some form. But those memories aren’t lost forever; they’re just inaccessible. We can use cues to trigger dormant memories.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9fcf8d3f-7fff-27b8-b91e-bb98abc71c64">Memory cues are any stimulus that prompts our minds to recall a memory. A song. A scent. The feel of a treasured memento in one’s hands. In addition to stimulating mental and emotional responses, memory cues can trigger physiological changes in our bodies. These associations are built from past experiences and help us interpret our current ones. Music is also a type of memory cue. It gets interesting when we consciously use memory cues in the present to help us remember in the future.</b></p>
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-d2f7f6b3-7fff-f586-4c51-bce2f08c150b">The Connection Between Songs and Memories</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-d2f7f6b3-7fff-f586-4c51-bce2f08c150b">We all have a particular song that immediately transports us back to a place, time, person, or event with special meaning. It isn’t just one or two songs that can trigger memories. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-d2f7f6b3-7fff-f586-4c51-bce2f08c150b">In a <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/study-finds-brain-hub-links-music-memory-and-emotion/" title="music">2009 study</a>, Dr. Janata from UC Davis played random songs from the Top 100 charts when his subjects were 8 to 18 years old. More than 75% of the songs were associated with a specific memory. This effect occurs through the medial prefrontal cortex, retrieving memories and linking music, memory, and emotion.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-d2f7f6b3-7fff-f586-4c51-bce2f08c150b">Using music as a memory cue helps <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25725917/" title="music">us reconnect with our past</a>.</b></p>
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-57de9942-7fff-2c33-0f20-d60d794e91ab">Now, the Good Bit</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-57de9942-7fff-2c33-0f20-d60d794e91ab">We can use music daily to enhance our ability to remember and enjoy our experiences. Subconsciously, your brain will build associations between the music and your experiences. You can try this simple technique by taking a new album and listening to it repeatedly during your next trip.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-57de9942-7fff-2c33-0f20-d60d794e91ab">This technique doesn’t have to be limited to vacations---you can do it at any time, whether you’re trying to remember a special moment or attempting to retain important information you just learned. Be mindful about creating future memories by selecting the music you play daily as an ambient background to whatever you do.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-57de9942-7fff-2c33-0f20-d60d794e91ab">Try this yourself! Log into <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="music ">My Stories Matter</a> free and capture the memories that resurface when you try our music memory cues!</b></p>


Using music as memory cues to improve recollection

Tapping into Memories with Music

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<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-a931fb60-7fff-ba70-9e0e-05119050a44c">10/10 is World Mental Health day. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to feel more <a href="https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/" title="mental health day ">isolated from socializing than before</a>, especially as the lifting of social distancing restrictions has been slower than expected after the vaccine rollout. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-a931fb60-7fff-ba70-9e0e-05119050a44c">During periods of isolation, many people increased their time on social media to stay connected. This week’s outage showed how reliant we are on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We also learned from a whistleblower<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/05/1043377310/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen-congress" title="mental health day "> how Facebook places profits over its users’ mental well-being</a>. </b></p>
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1182878c-7fff-37ca-985f-7f5978b29ce6">What Happened to Facebook This Week</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1182878c-7fff-37ca-985f-7f5978b29ce6">Last Monday’s 6-hour outage highlighted how many individuals and businesses have become dependent on social media. The disruption affected billions of users across all of Facebook’s apps, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Oculus. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1182878c-7fff-37ca-985f-7f5978b29ce6">However, Tuesday’s Senate subcommittee testimony by former Facebook data scientist turned whistleblower Frances Haugen may have more significant and longer-term ramifications for Facebook. She confirmed what many psychologists and researchers have stated for years. Facebook’s business model is harmful to its users’ mental health and the well-being of society as a whole. She also claimed that the ends justify the means as far as Mark Zuckerberg is concerned. And, in this case, the ‘ends’ are ‘more time on Facebook, more ads, and more profits.’</b></p>
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-0d151c91-7fff-4efa-2e3f-037fae78f359">How Instagram Damages Mental Health, Especially for Teenage Girls</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0d151c91-7fff-4efa-2e3f-037fae78f359">Social media platforms tend to focus on specific natural human behaviors and tendencies. Instagram, for example, encourages vanity and preys on the feeling of <a href="https://now.northropgrumman.com/this-is-your-brain-on-instagram-effects-of-social-media-on-the-brain/" title="mental health day ">FOMO</a> (Fear Of Missing Out).</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0d151c91-7fff-4efa-2e3f-037fae78f359">When we scroll through our Instagram feed, we see a highly edited view of someone else’s life. We see posts of people smiling at events, showing off their toned bodies, or posing next to an expensive sports car. Our own lives seem prosaic by comparison. Social media is designed to get you to click on the next piece of content, not reflect on the content's story. But serving up a fantasy of people’s perfectly curated lives diminishes the self-esteem of users who are not as beautiful, wealthy, or successful as the poster. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0d151c91-7fff-4efa-2e3f-037fae78f359">Our self-image develops during adolescence, which is also a time of hormonal imbalances. Unfortunately for adolescents, especially teenage girls, these filtered and Photoshopped images can drive many to depression and even suicide. The acne that develops on many of our faces doesn’t help. Unfortunately, this feeling of inadequacy is a perfect place for many advertisers to sell their products. “Just buy this product, and you’ll look like a fit actress!” </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0d151c91-7fff-4efa-2e3f-037fae78f359">While Facebook, which purchased Instagram in 2012, has often downplayed mental health concerns in public, its researchers have been conducting studies for the past three years into how the app affects its millions of young users. The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/6/22712927/facebook-instagram-teen-mental-health-research" title="mental health day ">research shows that the platform can damage mental health and body image, especially teen girls</a>. "We make body image issues worse for one in three teen girls," said one internal presentation slide. </b></p>
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-6e01618b-7fff-619e-4e91-8d722ae1e78e">Outrage Generates Clicks - Clicks Generate Money</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-6e01618b-7fff-619e-4e91-8d722ae1e78e">Although objectively, we live in the <a href="https://mashable.com/article/best-time-in-history" title="mental health day ">safest time in history</a>, many people think otherwise. Why is there such a disconnect between factual data and people’s perceptions? Facebook employs a tactic that Twitter, many other media, and social media platforms use to generate clicks - <a href="https://socialmediahq.com/how-social-media-sells-your-fear-and-outrage-for-profit/" title="mental health day ">outrage</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-6e01618b-7fff-619e-4e91-8d722ae1e78e">With the rise of the internet, we can see everything happening worldwide and share our thoughts in real-time. However, the internet is a mixture of fact, fiction, and misinformation. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-6e01618b-7fff-619e-4e91-8d722ae1e78e">It doesn’t matter whether a post is accurate or not. What matters to the poster and Facebook is that it generates engagement in clicks, shares, and comments. Engagement provides a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/04/has-dopamine-got-us-hooked-on-tech-facebook-apps-addiction" title="mental health day ">dopamine</a> hit to the sign and lures advertisers and investors to the platform. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-6e01618b-7fff-619e-4e91-8d722ae1e78e">Truth is not the currency of social media. A study shows that misinformation from the 2020 election <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/09/03/facebook-misinformation-nyu-study/" title="mental health day ">got six times more clicks</a> on Facebook than factual news. And this holds for recent information - a post on Facebook about one vaccinated person dying from Covid-19 has more impact than posts about the many lives saved by vaccines. Facebook doesn’t ban this type of misinformation outright. A significant portion of the wealth of Facebook’s senior management team is tied to Facebook’s stock price. Remember, more engagement = more ad dollars = more profits = higher stock price. ‘Truth’ is not a part of that equation.</b></p>
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T223529.625.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=R78wLpwK0BPJIcgk4bPLfNMyaWE1%2FnMgiHuczIKo4V7T%2F%2BHUWrGU%2FJBnzc4oljqDI7oXcRkYHFcTwRvClpIawcyLzP0VZ2Ii3hICEvPWY4fKy6savfYmKI75BgOgAjpNGHJ1zosnjh2qF8zeJolpNMo6bQfHhGfObySzkmLAqI3DVoM%2BoljtRlHyPMYiWbBHEciy02g9RfW5uyOy7iOmgpEUDXH%2FpwvHpGIBVQWMcNEDZSelRN5UAhlk6391neEwTYQ92MwuoZX%2Bj7BvM7UYfybE%2BX5ZwUWwdzBVFbIzcSR3ulW9jxBmcKxmMQ4dnUm4i5KCGAaV7XfGOpzbSydk8Q%3D%3D" alt="Self care isn't selfish sign" />  </div>

  
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-438cd09e-7fff-cc49-7f61-e54494aa48b8">How You Can Take Control of Your Mental Health</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-438cd09e-7fff-cc49-7f61-e54494aa48b8">Facebook is not the same as face-to-face interaction; it cannot replace other forms of communication or meaningful social relationships.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-438cd09e-7fff-cc49-7f61-e54494aa48b8">While it may be too much to ask people to delete their Facebook accounts, moderating usage is achievable. <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm" title="mental health day ">A 2018 University of Pennsylvania study</a> found that reducing social media use to 30 minutes a day significantly reduced anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep problems, and FOMO. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-438cd09e-7fff-cc49-7f61-e54494aa48b8">Use that saved time to focus on the people and things that truly matter. Do the opinions of strangers mean more to you than those of the people who know you intimately and care about you deeply?</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-438cd09e-7fff-cc49-7f61-e54494aa48b8">Unlike Facebook, our free application, <a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/" title="mental health day ">My Stories Matter</a>, is built on a foundation of positive psychology. We don’t have ads and don’t sell or share your data. We are also age-friendly! My Stories Matter is purpose-built to provide a safe place to connect with the people you care about. Use it to reminisce and collaborate with friends and family, write a memoir, share your hard-earned life lessons with others, or preserve your life lessons.</b></p>


Why it's important to find a balance between social media and mental health

How You Can Take Care of Yourself on World Mental Health Day

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-13992" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/lemon-scent-candle">Lemon Scent Candle</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/lemon-candle-6668364_640.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=nOD0%2FeM1kjHQpNB3Wx7W8zWM1jteQ4PECJpcxIZ7mSC9tyTqBCuGWog3oZzwvq27Kfw83kPbR5LcEQwNqwTSpL4iL%2BJ%2FWKjDysiX4xorm72Il%2FBIqlbQM974QA8GUguK7SoDiRbBksplN3Vnq8fOMzWmNRO7cSV1nWAr0L9UTvpiIJ3dVZphrz6UrkrBTX%2BqqWn2Xc3XZAOerMECkWWr105pTg8vIorT6j3pVMHo2sof1taIn6x9qPzs0bpHzc3%2FgCbVvuoF7dfA27txTVbSiNgyhnSEtyRTIebHTodh375kXoXgpCP3Wc7kYkLrKLTKL28vIA2%2FA1GTCpkKrVQo4Q%3D%3D" width="427" height="640" alt="Scent triggers memorable memories, like this lemon candle" />  </div>

  
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<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-7f27c50f-7fff-aca9-80f5-e5e248f0b0bd">Some smells trigger memories from a particular time in your life. For instance, does the aroma of freshly baked brownies always bring back memories of your best friend’s mom’s cooking? Or when you walk by the local pool and smell the chlorinated water, do childhood summer memories flash through your mind? </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-7f27c50f-7fff-aca9-80f5-e5e248f0b0bd">How can we remember vivid memories when we smell something we consider nostalgic? This phenomenon is called the  “<a href="https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199685875.001.0001/acprof-9780199685875" title="proust effect">Proust Effect</a>” — after the novelist Marcel Proust wrote about childhood memories triggered by the aroma of freshly baked madeleine cakes — this process was once thought of as purely involuntary.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-7f27c50f-7fff-aca9-80f5-e5e248f0b0bd">But this memory process doesn’t have to be involuntary. We can hack the process of memory formation to our advantage. By proactively using scent daily in our lives, we can intensify experiences and fortify memory formation, helping to make life a richer and more enjoyable experience.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-7f27c50f-7fff-aca9-80f5-e5e248f0b0bd">Memorable moments make us who we are. Our mind’s interpretation of events shapes our world experience, and present-day stimuli act as doorways to our past. They connect us to all we cherish and the people we hold dear. Unfortunately, time and age can rob us of our ability to recall those memories.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-13999" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/post-it-note-0">post it note</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/post-it-notes-2836842_640_1.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=WyJXulQPDMQGFtWugj7v6j%2FdqXlwh1egbcUz7KPkq8CXfXDmWHWJrbv0kD6WLm65oJXSXwUDNWsxjPRVqgSmUPZ6YPQtruGHcHPHWIBM65MbWXFgYotRNMxBsjpSPrAsVEFKsafse4utiS%2ByBQbieb%2FGp1f06dq3TUuCmgDNhof2jtX95e6T2w%2FkbSBxZ2LktjrkDbn8BS%2B5wsUoc1YdvasEqw%2Bolq0jOFxAShWP1Xu2MLfkk7Ohk36eMQlOLsTc%2F17je3QDCefHZ0BDgkSeDu2KHPdjarVAEzs8zVWEHDFhKKzIG8BiGDQHFeKE8xL09lpX9qtjwmxXdsKhGFig0A%3D%3D" width="640" height="426" alt="Writing it down can help with memorable memories" />  </div>

  
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<p> </p>
<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-7873ce5e-7fff-5f92-76ec-c1732ad9ec3b">The Science of Memory Cues</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-7873ce5e-7fff-5f92-76ec-c1732ad9ec3b">Whenever we experience something, our brain (specifically, the hippocampus) encodes sensory details (such as sounds) as part of memory formation. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14670575/" title="Proust effect">These sensory details are wired into our brains as memory cues</a>. When you re-encounter a cue, it triggers the associated memory — along with the thoughts, feelings, and emotions you initially experienced.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-7873ce5e-7fff-5f92-76ec-c1732ad9ec3b">We can use our understanding of this process to purposefully manage memory formation to benefit ourselves in the future and easily recall our memorable memories when we want to look back.</b></p>
<h1 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18682" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-100jpeg">resized-image-Promo (100).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="7" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%28100%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=Y5rpWxlWRAtnbr2p%2B7Fl3QSpSD5h6gVaDyKTppkVgtaEk5aRf20z8ogZnEB35qq74thwjPXPnXSHCO4SuGUWdJIUh2ywrIe4qn95mMR4rkDmQBYF%2FFwKSFO6K6GMQIgBGbhtJYGH%2FBa9e%2FHA%2BtkACs82o4gZUU85x4hnEPcio4LiX3%2BY0dU7j243MiU%2Fx4AzzTkdUUa0zEq8Fz1HUN0M2iNKpFALu%2B%2BPD52qYYLtYXN4HxfLEb86phs8FYkCaVH9ueZ3K9A4blFxVRmJj7%2F6jWNxzLvdR5uTnYp1I1W%2BiO%2BY7sjUdKjeDsxBn4XXz3kYDw1ltKqcgugWk6Xg2D5PTg%3D%3D" alt="woman holding bottles of flowers" />  </div>

  
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</div></h1>
<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-56c8cbce-7fff-d563-bd70-4d0b0994b5b9">How Scent is Different from Other Sensory Cues</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-56c8cbce-7fff-d563-bd70-4d0b0994b5b9">We all know what it’s like to hear a song that triggers feelings and memories. However, scent is unique in its ability to trigger <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028393212004617" title="proust effect">particularly vivid memories</a>. Why?</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-56c8cbce-7fff-d563-bd70-4d0b0994b5b9">For most of our senses, information processing starts at the sensing organ (such as our eyes), then moves to the brain’s ‘relay station,’ the thalamus, which in turn sends each signal to the relevant sense-processing area (for example, the visual cortex in the case of sight).</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-56c8cbce-7fff-d563-bd70-4d0b0994b5b9">Scent signals bypass the relay station and go directly to the olfactory bulb's processor site. This means that, unlike our other senses, there is no intermediate activity between sensing and processing. Scent-based experiences are enhanced and more enriched.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-14000" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/christmas-scented-candle-1">Christmas scented candle</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/candle-5960786_640_2.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=TWmsVqZUwGQF3th5BEr1xw8qnNvqd1JKitbhfgU5MLVDVykuYvBmp8bBN5vE4FYkRPfOwOPOvc%2B%2BLv6HWJ%2BEIWRE%2Bahv%2Fh754lTE9kRoHLF7MvunYtRHEOYKy%2BblQIsHRWz12%2BiyISM9q%2F2LNj7t1mztB8orBd98BmT0meXhocUQ7UfdnHkcKg0srbM2OfVmn86e8AP2LT78LA1o%2FuDx1S%2FQcX60Hein%2Ff3Xi2WzW0fPP5crRCsniozjNkXTP7h1WEqBIK9Lh%2BhxpzrkB4%2FVHLc7H5EloRkPG8d6f7snfJ3j4m2dCZZATMaMxYDhGRLPxZhQ%2FZIAbiTAbYTawMZE5Q%3D%3D" width="480" height="640" alt="Maybe Christmas scented candles give you memorable memories from christmas" />  </div>

  
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c7b8bc91-7fff-15df-8550-b080d269533b">The Special Connection Between Scent and Memories</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c7b8bc91-7fff-15df-8550-b080d269533b">Scent’s ability to trigger vivid and emotional memories is partly due to the close connection between the scent processing center (the olfactory bulb) and the parts of the brain responsible for emotion and memory — the amygdala and hippocampus, respectively.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c7b8bc91-7fff-15df-8550-b080d269533b"><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-05131-6" title="proust effect">According to Afif J. Aqrabawi and Jun Chul Kim</a>, “The olfactory cortex in particular shares exclusive anatomical connections with the hippocampus due to their common evolutionary history.” </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c7b8bc91-7fff-15df-8550-b080d269533b">There may be more to aromatherapy than many of us think! Evolution has made the scent a high priority. Only 3% of our genes are involved in forming the 1,000 olfactory receptors we possess. In 2004, <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2004/press-release/" title="proust effect">Doctors Buck and Axel won a Nobel Prize for explaining how these receptors enable us to recognize 10,000 different scents</a>.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18683" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t221652518jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T221652.518.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T221652.518.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=n1OwyPyvQk5g8lY2g2gsIVh7vsg8%2FvSIqAPkLdLjj7QgjFAqtL05NWuOcjODqtOQCm0%2FRWd0YuGnNXeyCoQjTQehNi4j6g%2FpCUIiDh9mNOwWOb8mvlYaiM%2B9EG0fhaG4yEtqD7cEvzd1VNC5HVRXiqEIBL%2FbP6xEYMY05iOkhjCFr6AYClXonDEtGDmKJXWDo%2F%2BMNgTev9OPYg3%2BrSz7pZZDl7qamTPUOo6cj8WkeyXX0bsIKYGPLRTiobfYTENXIz%2FluGveMsZ25r%2BN6KqQxqmxztl9EVt1wYY7jXESvp1aowgNAWaeEQ%2FWtnLC1ZLaI5PXlsUx734sR66uQw1bEw%3D%3D" alt="Two Clear Glass Bottles With Liquids" />  </div>

  
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<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-0e61ca52-7fff-4491-1eb3-0026b216a834">Richer Memory Formation</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0e61ca52-7fff-4491-1eb3-0026b216a834">You can use scent to build more memorable memories. The next time you do something you enjoy, think about using scent to ingrain the memory deep in your mind.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0e61ca52-7fff-4491-1eb3-0026b216a834">Say you’re going on a vacation. Pick a scent — an essential oil, an herb, or a perfume — and designate it as the ‘special scent’ for your adventure. Regularly avail yourself of the scent throughout your travels. Later, sometime after returning home, break out your ‘special scent’ and see what happens. Memories — and the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that went with them — will wash over you, taking you back and helping you to relive the experience. Try this technique with special events, people, and anything else you want to remember. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0e61ca52-7fff-4491-1eb3-0026b216a834">Want to eternalize your memorable memories? Preserve them forever at <a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/" title="proust effect">My Stories Matter</a> for free.</b></p>


Trigger your memorable memories using scent

Scent of a Memory and the Proust Effect

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-13971" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/old-people-are-happier">Old people are happier</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img title="happiness curve" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/people-2583943_640_0.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331705&amp;Signature=KlWmWZnoKGzVOZq7fTQKAp3uFK2TylV6Vojwb7DYIKg7EKec3rwg7yBlZ5UD%2F7aaqeMdp5smdSXNvJfSpcQzpaYSDKTTlqMyaUTO%2BLwRxiP78kDAuy29GQ2XtEJ1NuJpBC8AUN%2BfO8h%2Fn96C7jGlz%2BpXdmVSgrIWzSdEb0lzX3ucpTs%2FIlYzpCEEg92JtnP7zsxrc30cM46lK50EwBYgD6xoMAL3O2msOX0YNuv2aZxAP6Q1rnzHoc1UDZWYMOADFhbeBBOmy0O8pxoqWjbjWmHhPP%2Fno8lFXCBbWVf%2FHyFP82%2B7NFNCy3kHYhuglVx5FTAdg2%2BBG%2FcY%2BeV868y1PQ%3D%3D" width="480" height="640" alt="Happiness in age" />  </div>

  
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</div>
<p>Which period of life was your happiest? </p>
<p>Chances are you’d say young adulthood. Your body is in great shape, and friends and family surround you. The world is your oyster.</p>
<p>However, <a href="https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/mental/improvement-in-mental-health-with-aging/" title="happiness curve">research</a> suggests that the older you get, the happier you become. Despite a decline in physical and cognitive abilities, your <a href="https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/mental/improvement-in-mental-health-with-aging/" title="happiness curve">mental state improves</a>. The “<a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w26641" title="happiness curve">Happiness curve</a>” best illustrates this phenomenon.</p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-13974" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/happy-ball-0">Happy ball</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img title="happiness curve" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/ball-1845546_640_1.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331705&amp;Signature=C9iCsxjNLtTcgkbtfLPK%2F1qXxqREqYNr8dYQlpH14AuaoPm2qDlU1YgLKicOn0yZ209b3r%2BVYrBNj07jBXSh39%2FXdbvgdKxQ6M0u6jbedbF70Jyll5IwHlZBs27gAbGUdZeDhBGW3huNPabQLTh8e8TX6rYWTi1tWQUuxU5HUN%2BY%2FjDtZTW7OuvJbcjN6kLx62Vhe16jzh5olxOJJHfy0rPmdnFlmk5XmczmDTjUTxmw0IazlU3m50i0g2E0jj7lxV906iKbcBjm1Sjjt5CuwaD%2Bw3lL11AyfosiyBnsZFqz0rfcEbj7lSee%2B8khEn6DvSXc6hKIYu6dAi7ClLBLSQ%3D%3D" width="640" height="426" alt="Ball being happy" />  </div>

  
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<p><strong>What is the Happiness Curve?</strong></p>
<p>Though seemingly paradoxical, the happiness curve is tied to the natural pressures of young adulthood, which contribute to an atmosphere of stress and uncertainty. Questions of how to:</p>
<p>• Find the right romantic partner </p>
<p>• Choose an enjoyable yet lucrative career </p>
<p>• Transition to financial stability </p>
<p>constantly plague the minds of young adults. </p>
<p>Since <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792649/" title="happiness curve">the “self” is still forming in this stage of life</a>, searching for a core identity feels emotionally consuming. Conversely, older adults have typically <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3018853/" title="happiness curve">cemented their identity</a>, leading to more emotional stability and achieving the happiness curve. </p>
<p>For this reason, the happiness curve is a kind of “<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/12/the-real-roots-of-midlife-crisis/382235/" title="happiness curve">U-curve</a>” (or, as some have whimsically modeled it, a <a href="http://thecontextofthings.com/2015/01/05/happiness-u-curve/" title="happiness curve">smiley face</a>) – with physical and cognitive health having a surprisingly inverse relationship with happiness.</p>
<p>Remarkably, people entering their 20s and 30s reported having the <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.psych.093008.100448?rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed&amp;url_ver=Z39.88-2003&amp;rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&amp;journalCode=psych" title="happiness curve">highest stress, depression, and anxiety among all age groups</a>. Simultaneously, they also have the lowest levels of contentment and well-being. In contrast, people in their 50s and 60s have much <a href="https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/mental/improvement-in-mental-health-with-aging/" title="happiness curve">higher life satisfaction, emotional stability, and positivity than their younger counterparts</a>.</p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-13975" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/child-gazing-water">Child gazing at the water</a></h2>
    
  
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    <img title="happiness curve" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/child-1440526_640.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331705&amp;Signature=OKI0nHdb%2Bx4CE7JRROZBmeBAn%2B8U3cyFF5xWy%2FJ51FBEK5T7q2jwO6jwtlNHTxS1UgZHLIUt6g%2BKXqaNjSejRbS%2Bx60s49a9C5EEq3preoljLaxTRlTJ83D%2F7Qu7WnjaaCy82FQagJRJX2usUYODz5ntSiOd8nOQ5L1tpJYkXl6Gvyl9h8ngEx%2F6A6wcsMYk7sJgQGgp6quGT30GubQrAubejq%2BOY8nF12AmGbu0hUMDnzSNKsmmhdkcGA1YGjOSY6fHvkryPzHRMrRrDyDOJUiz6UAJITx5uvvovSVN7rL%2BUN1D9Fwa33naa6JcYJCIn8FPqwMRHR1Vdn%2B6ezkxag%3D%3D" width="640" height="426" alt="Children are an exception, they are almost always happy" />  </div>

  
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<p><strong>The Happiness Curve</strong></p>
<p>The happiness curve is attributed to the ability of older people to <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-00438-011?doi=1" title="happiness curve">focus on the positive aspects of situations</a>. As you grow older, you’re affected by adverse conditions less than younger people and are more likely to focus on your successes.  For example, an evening spent reading stories to grandchildren significantly outweighs the annoyance of achy knees or weak glasses. </p>
<p>These findings support the principles of <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1999-10334-001" title="happiness curve">socio-emotional selectivity theory (SST)</a>, which refers to the relationship between increased happiness and a limited timeline. Happiness, according to SST, is an individual’s confidence in their future. Since an <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00339/full" title="happiness curve">unpredictable future</a> confronts younger people, they focus their energy on combating whatever challenges lie ahead, such as going to college, completing a summer internship, or getting into perfect shape.</p>
<p>This ambiguity makes young adults less embedded in the “now’, delaying internal emotional satisfaction. Therefore, the happiness curve is at its lowest at this point in life. </p>
<p>Conversely, when facing a shorter period, a person will focus on the present, prioritizing emotional satisfaction over preparation for the future. Happiness, in turn, becomes the biggest priority for the aging adult, as do values such as love, family connection, and self-reflection. The happiness curve is complete. </p>
<p><b>Perspective: Essential to the Happiness Curve</b></p>
<p>As you grow older, you acquire wisdom by learning lessons from your past. Knowledge increases the sense of self and contributes to the notion of “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748112600682" title="happiness curve">successful aging</a>.” </p>
<p>Wisdom allows you to have a meaningful relationship with your past, using memories as a lens to view your identity. This accumulation of memories gives you perspective, a key ingredient in the happiness curve. </p>
<p>As you remember countless embarrassing or negative moments (like when you spilled yogurt on a breakfast date), you also remember that none of it mattered. Though your younger self felt humiliated, those moments are now funny. </p>
<p>Age shows us that even losses that seem incredibly consequential at the moment, like breakups, are ultimately minor in the grand scheme of life. Older people focus on happiness instead of heartbreak when reflecting on a past love. Filtered by <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/what-causes-nostalgia-goggles/" title="happiness curve">nostalgia goggles</a> (looking at past events positively), the past becomes a harbor of positive recollections.</p>
<p><strong>Record Memories on My Stories Matter </strong></p>
<p>Thanks to the happiness curve, it only goes up from here! In the <a href="https://seniorplanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Bowie-aging-quote-1.jpg" title="happiness curve">words</a> of David Bowie, “Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” So don’t let the fear of aging worry you. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Happiness curve">My Stories Matter</a> is a great platform to start <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-reasons-to-record-your-life/" title="happiness curve">recording the lessons</a> you’ve learned along the way. You can: </p>
<p>• Collaborate with friends and family </p>
<p>• Organize your stories and memories with our timeline feature</p>
<p>• Answer prompts that ask you specific questions to get started </p>
<p>Your information is kept secure and private, unlike other social media apps. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="happiness curve">Sign up</a> today for free and allow your happiness curve to rise.</p>


Dan