Making Your Own Family History: Keeping A Journal
Getting Started: Introduction
Step 1: Read the introduction to immerse yourself in the essence of this workshop and discover what it has to offer.
Journal Jar (a sampling) Courtesy of Janet McNaughton, Tempe Chapter, Family History Society of Arizona
- Between the ages of 5 and 10, what was your favorite activity?
- Describe a sound from your childhood. What was it? When did you hear it? What does it bring to mind?
- Describe a childhood birthday.
- Describe a childhood Christmas.
- Describe a favorite childhood friend and some things you did with that friend.
Daily Journaling to Record Family History as It Happens
- Principle: “Memory is always partial and selective.” –C.K. Reisman, Narrative Methods for the Human Sciences
- Purpose: To let your descendants know what your life/your family’s life was like.
- Concern: What do you want descendants to know about your life?
Exploring Perspectives: Reading Quotations
Step 2: Read the quotations below and reflect on the ones that resonate with you, drawing connections that inspire and deepen your understanding.
"I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn."
Anne Frank
“The very act of writing it down made her realize how easy it would be to forget, how important it would be from now on to put everything, everything, down on paper.”
Donna Tartt, writer
Reflect and Express: Discussion and Writing Questions
Step 3: Begin exploring your family’s past and weave it into a captivating story—one that brings cherished memories, untold experiences, and generational wisdom to life. Use the questions below to guide your storytelling.
Among your activities today, which ones are indicative of this year?
What short-term or long-term goals have been on your mind recently?
What New Year’s resolutions, if any, have you made for this year? How are you doing with themso far?
What did you do today that reveals something about your personality?
What happened in the world today that made you pause to think?
What was the weather like today?
Has COVID been part of your life today?If so, how?
What television shows did you watch today? Why did you watch them? How did they make you feel? How did they make you think?
What did your children do today that shows their personalities?
What did your children do today that made you reflect on who they are?
What did your children do today that made you proud?
What cognitive, social, or language development did you see in one of your children/grandchildren today?
What did your children do today that caused you to reflect on your parenting?
What happened on this date in history?In the family? Locally? Regionally? Nationally?Internationally?
What well-known person died today?
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