How are you, my friend?
I’m thinking of you and popping by with a quick hello on this Friday afternoon.
Whether you need a pick-me-up or you have lots of get-up-and-go, you are loved.
Whether you are feeling scared or shy or uncertain or sad, you are loved.
However this week is going, I know that you are doing your best and you can let everything go that weighs you down — even for just this moment.
💥💓💥
If you listened to last Sunday’s audio LoveGram or have been following along on social media, you’ve likely heard me talking about a recent trip my son and I took with my mom.
We drove to the town where she was born and where she lived her youngest days as a little kid. It was amazing and memorable. I’m so glad we planned this!
Not only was it so wonderful to share in this walk down memory lane, but we gathered some precious video footage to save in the family archives.
Everyone wants to be seen, known, and loved for who they are.
Never forget that it is such a GIFT to be cared about so much that someone wants to hear your stories and to record them!
You can read more in my article, “Preserving Family Stories,” in Kind Over Matter.
However, here are some tips for gathering your family stories:
Six Ways to Gather and Preserve Family Stories
- Ask open-ended questions. Instead of “Did you like school?” try, “What do you remember most about being in school as a child?” The open space invites stories, not just yes-or-no answers.
- Record conversations. Use your phone’s voice memo app or a simple recorder. Capturing their exact words, pauses and laughter can be just as precious as the stories themselves.
- Look through old photos together. Photographs often jog memory in ways questions don’t. Ask: “Who is this with you?” or “What was happening that day?”
- Create small rituals of storytelling. Maybe it’s Sunday dinner or a walk together. Build in gentle moments to ask for a story or two, so it becomes part of the rhythm of time together.
- Invite stories from objects. Family heirlooms, recipes, or even everyday household items can hold memories. A teacup, a quilt, a recipe card—all can open doors to stories.
- Write down your own stories, too. Don’t forget to leave behind your voice. Start a simple journal or audio diary with short reflections about your own childhood, work, travels, or friendships. Someday, someone will be grateful you did.
💥💓💥
Be the kind of person who asks questions and records the fascinating and treasured stories!
Give the gift of your loving attention!
Seek celebration — even in dark corners,
xo Sherry