Writing your personal history is a great addition to your genealogy research. Your personal story will intertwine with the rest of your family’s history. As your own author, the subject matter is endless. If you need ideas for writing your personal history, consider the following areas for inspiration.
Names
- Are you named after someone in your family? Who? Why?
- Do you know the meaning or story behind your name?
- Did you name any of your children after a family member? Who? Why?
- Do you have a nickname?
- How did you get the nickname?
Birthdates
- When and where were you born?
- Is there a story about your birth?
- When and where were your children born?
- Share your experience about their birth.
Significant Other
- What is your current relationship status?
- Are you married?
- How did you meet your partner?
- Describe your first date.
- Describe your wedding.
- What is your favorite moment with your significant other?
Parents
- Where were your parent born?
- How did they meet?
- Favorite memory of your parents from your childhood?
- What did your parents teach you?
- Write any other information you would like to share about your parents.
- Describe yourself as a parent? (or a pet parent)
Childhood
- Describe your childhood home? Did you move around a lot? Did you grow up in the city or country?
- Do you have siblings? How many?
- Are you close to your siblings?
- What was your favorite activity as a child?
- Who were your childhood friends? Do you still keep in touch?
- Did you like school?
- Describe your holidays as a child.
- What family traditions do you still carry on with your own family?
- Describe your children at this moment in time.
Extended Family
- Write about your grandparents include names, dates, and other important information.
- Write about your aunts and uncles. Did you have a favorite?
- Write about your cousins and other family members.
- Were there people in your life that you considered family who was not related?
- Did you spend a lot of time with your extended family?
- Do your children spend time with extended family?
Every piece of information provides insight into your life. Remember when writing to keep your personal and families’ information private. Always be careful about publishing information online. Keep a journal. Using lined notebook paper is an easy way to continuously add information photos and other material to a 3-ring binder. Do not forget to have fun when writing your personal history.
Rebecca's Country Notes 