We all have stories to tell, but we don’t often write them down.
That’s a shame because preserving you stories and memories not only benefits you, but has a positive impact on others as well.
Below, we look at why writing your story matters more than you think.
1. Writing is good for mental health
According to a 2019 study cited in the Harvard Business Review, writing reduces depression.
In fact, writing your story brings many health benefits and Medical research shows that writing can reduce anxiety and stress, improve sleep and contribute to a better quality of life.
One of the ways writing improves well being is by helping us process stress. Writing about negative experiences can help us process and eventually, release them.
In some cultures, telling your story is used to heal both physical and psychological ailments. In Native American medicine, One of the questions sick people are asked is, “when did you last tell your story?”
2. Preserve your legacy
We all have different views about death but whatever yours is, the fact is it’s going to happen to all of us. At some point most of us ask what our legacy will be.
What will we leave to those who come after us? Your memories, stories and experiences are some of the most valuable and life changing things you can leave.
None of us are getting out of here aliveANTHONY HOPKINS, ACTOR
3. Sharing your story creates more resilient children
The UK’s Guardian newspaper reports that children who have a strong family narrative enjoy better emotional health.
In addition, Psychologists have found that children who know their family story have better self-esteem, higher levels of social competence, higher quality friendships, and less anxiety and stress.
“To know where you’re going, you need to know where you’ve come from” MARY ANGELOU
A study by Emory University in the US also found that parents reported their children had fewer behavioural problems.
Writing down the events of your life really is a gift to future generations and can ultimately help raise more resilient children.
4. Be more than just a face. Be part of history
Future generations will know who you are, what you did, how you lived. You won’t simply be a name on a family tree or a face on a photograph. Future generations will have access to your wisdom and the life experiences you wish to share.
Think of sharing your story as a way to positively impact those you are connected to, even after you are no longer alive. By helping your descendants understand who you are, you are helping them understand who they are and where they come from.
“The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that does”ANDY WARHOL
5. Sharing your story means you live happier for longer
Sharing your story increases your connection with friends and family. Connection decreases health risks, strengthens the immune system and even increases longevity.
According to The World Happiness Report people who experienced an increase in connectedness with others during the pandemic, had
- Greater resilience
- Longer life expectancy
- Better mental health
As human beings we are a social species, designed to connect with each other and live in community.
In fact, for our stone age ancestors sticking together was crucial for survival. But the human need for connection goes beyond the simple safety in numbers mentality.
But how does writing your story increase your sense of connection with others?
Writing reconnects us with old friends and distant family members. Gift your story allows you to ask for help when answering questions. This means it can put you back in touch with distant relatives, long-lost friends, or estranged family members. You’ll reconnect over a shared project and bring back memories you may have forgotten.
Use gift your story as a family project, something grandparents, parents and children can all do together.
6. Sharing your story keeps families together
Our ancestors would sit around the fire and share stories. This would not only reaffirm their identities but also their connection to each other.
With Gift Your Story you not only get a hard back book of your stories but also your very own web page. Why not your web page to share your stories with the click of a button?
And because many families have members living in different parts of the world, maintaining that connection is important.
Writing your story brings so may benefits both for the person writing and for those who’ll read it in years to come.
Make sure you start writing your story today, with our easy-to-use platform.
Alternatively give a loved one the gift of story so that your family legacy can be preserved for years to come.
It’s easy with Gift Your Story.