The benefits of telling a life story

A call from a journalist last week got me thinking about the benefits of telling a life story.

Over the years, I have found there are many benefits when people record their stories -

1. It values, honors, and validates the teller - both during the process and after it.

2. It establishes a link with future generations - helping to bring wisdom; and a sense of identity, belonging and value to those generations.

3. It grants the teller the gift of completeness in their lives and allows them to counsel, entertain or explain events to those who follow.

4. It fosters communication and understanding between the teller and their family and friends; difficult topics are often broached and even resolved.

5. The process often becomes a pleasurable occupation and hobby for those concerned, giving a sense of excitement, purpose and mission and pride in the result.

6. For people with Alzheimer's and like conditions, the story can become a kind of external hard drive for the teller and those close.

Can you think of some others?

I know some people just feel unburdened and relieved when they record their life story video with Your Story Here. Recording you life story - in one way or another - on most people's list isn't it? If you would like to look at some case studies and samples of folks who have successfully preserved their stories to video, then visit Your Story Here Life Story Video.

One more thing. Never take no for an answer if you are considering recording a life story video. Sadly, over the course of many years, I have seen many occasions where the family was preparing to interview an older member of their family only to be derailed by the tragic death of the subject. As I wrote in an article recently: Life Story Video - Never Take No For an Answer.