It's a common misconception that Autobiographies can only be written bycelebrities, that only those in the public eye have led lives worthy of readingabout. This is simply not true. In fact, most of the everyday people I meet haveled far more interesting lives because they have had to deal with real issues inthe real world. When we read about the struggles and triumphs of the famous wecannot identify with their experiences. When we read about the struggles andtriumphs of 'ordinary people' we normally recognize experiences we have hadourselves and we take comfort from the fact we are not alone and there is a wayforward.In recent years there has been a growing interest in writing Personal Histories,Autobiographies and Memoirs. Not just from those in the public eye but fromeveryday people like us. It makes sense to examine the phenomenon a little closer.What is a Personal History, Autobiography or Memoir?Quite simply it is a historical record of a person's life; the thoughts, feelings,events, people and places of an individual's past in detail. It is your veryunique and personal contribution to your family's history and on a greater scaleyour contribution to the history of the world we live in.Why write a Personal History?There are many reasons to write a Personal History. The main reason should bebecause you want to. Perhaps to share the experiences of your life with others; asa gift for your family; a desire to write; to try and understand your life and theforces that have shaped you; to gain a new insight into yourself; so that you arenot forgotten or simply to have a story to go with those dozens of old photos youhave kept in a box for years (see below).What's interesting about my life?The story of your life is unique to you. What has happened in your life along withthe people and places you have known have made you the person you are today. Evenif you think your life is not important to anyone else it is important to you andfor this reason it matters. Do not underestimate how interesting your history willbe to your loved ones. There are things they don't know about you and would liketo know. Your time in history is different to theirs. Ask yourself this; would youlike to have had a written autobiography or personal history from your parents orgrandparents? It would surely be one of your most prized possessions.How do I begin to write?You don't have to be a great writer to write your Personal History. Your wordswritten naturally are more important for this type of task. All I would say isfind a quiet, comfortable place to sit, at a time of day when you won't bedisturbed. Then decide which stage of your life you are most comfortable startingwith.What if I have forgotten?You may feel like some memories have gone from your head. Not so, they are stillin there and just need a gentle push to the surface. Try and focus on a particular
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