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These
monthly tips will open the door for the fun and life-affirming activity
of writing your life story.
Give the gift of life story to yourself and your family.
Pick up your pen and record the best of your life and lessons learned.
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How do I write about my difficult parents when my children have a good relationship with them? I don’t want to damage that relationship. At a recent life story gathering, someone asked how to write about difficult parents and a difficult childhood. This question is frequently asked, but there was a twist this time. This person’s children have a good relationship with the grandparents. The writer doesn’t want to taint that relationship by detailing grievances. Actually, she answered the question herself. She doesn’t have to “detail” the grievances. She can summarize the entire situation in a sentence. My parents and I sometimes disagreed. Or – as I summarized on page 15 of the Write Your Life Story in Eight Weeks Workbook: “My parents were harsh.” That’s it. No details needed. However, the writer can go on and detail what she learned from these experiences and what sustained her during any difficult times. This is also an opportunity to write about people who weresupportive and loving. Sometimes it is necessary to write a draft or two in which you are more specific and get all your hurt and anger out on the page. Then, go back and edit, edit, edit and summarize. This doesn’t mean you sugarcoat events. It just means you choose your focus.
copyright © 2008 Carol Newman |
©2002-2008 Carol A. Newman/There's an Angel in Your Inkwell®
All Rights Reserved