To me writing memoirs is about recalling and possibly sharing:
Simple, funny and nurturing moments, from the ridiculous to the sublime.
Adventures, unique experiences, relationships, kindness received & offered.
Teachers and mentors, achievements, contributions and things we created.
Messes we got ourselves in & out of and what we’ve learned and can share.
Senior memoirs often provide loved ones with family & ancestral history
Simple, funny and nurturing moments, from the ridiculous to the sublime.
Adventures, unique experiences, relationships, kindness received & offered.
Teachers and mentors, achievements, contributions and things we created.
Messes we got ourselves in & out of and what we’ve learned and can share.
Senior memoirs often provide loved ones with family & ancestral history
Memoir Workshops typically are 1 - 1.5 hours. Ten to twelve participants
gives everyone time to listen, engage, create and share. Workshops can
be scheduled weekly, bi-monthly or monthly.
I’m happy to offer a sample memoir session, to illustrate
how quickly residents engage, participate and enjoy
gives everyone time to listen, engage, create and share. Workshops can
be scheduled weekly, bi-monthly or monthly.
I’m happy to offer a sample memoir session, to illustrate
how quickly residents engage, participate and enjoy
Frequently asked questions
Q. How is it done?
A. There are many ways and all of them are useful and right. Some people write, some verbalize, and some first need to be in the presence of others to listen until spirit moves them. Sometimes memories flow easily while others are like time-release capsules gradually being released when needed and the time is right. Q. Do I need a chronological timeline?
A. You can set-out to build a sequential timeline but it’s not necessary. Your memories, like pieces of a puzzle, will eventually connect. Start anywhere you like and over time trust that the pieces will fit together forming a bigger picture. Q. Do I need to share my memoirs? A. It’s entirely up to you. Some have an intention of sharing family stories and history with their children and grandchildren, while others simply want to re-visit “the times of their lives”. Others choose to “tell-it-all” and then release it into the flames of a fire - literally! In workshops like ours the sharing process invites us to listen to one another, non-judgmentally, and keep each other’s confidences. No one is required to share. |
Q. A method for recalling memories?
A. Not really. They seem to surface when we’re not even trying. I often suggest putting aside some quiet time to reflect, daydream, and maybe reminisce with a friend or family member. Listening to others share their stories often helps to find your own. But not to worry as your stories will find you. Q. What if my life wasn’t/isn’t that interesting to write or talk about?
A. You’d be surprised. We’re not all that different from one another. We all have valuable memories, experiences, and lessons-learned. We all have a story to share. Just reminder, first and foremost, our job is to remember and to write. We needn’t be
our own editors or critics. It’s not about structure, grammar, spelling, or cleverness. It’s about listening, reflecting, resounding and simply enjoying |