"One advantage in keeping a diary is that you become aware with reassuring clarity of the changes which you constantly suffer."
Franz Kafka
15 big questions to answer in your journal:
Here they are:
(Bron: http://eat-spin-run-repeat.com/2013/01/21/15-big-questions-to-answer-in-your-journal/?)
- What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
- What would your life look like if money had no meaning? Would you work? Where would you live? Who would you spend your time with? What would you do more/less of?
- What did you want to be as a child, and how does that compare to how you define yourself now?
- If you could write a letter to your 15 year old self, what would you say?
- What achievements are you most proud of?
- What do you want to be remembered for?
- Think about the last time you felt totally on top of the world. Where were you? Who were you with? What were you doing? What parts of that experience can you recreate today and every day to boost your happiness?
- Who is one of your mentors? What do you admire about them? What makes them unique and what have you learned from them?
- If you had just one day left to live, how would you spend it? What would you tell your loved ones?
- What is the one single most difficult lesson you’ve ever had to learn?
- What is one of your biggest dreams? What’s getting in the way?
- What are the most important aspects in your life right now and how much time do you spend on each? Is the time you spend proportionate to the importance of each aspect?
- If you could choose one word to represent yourself now, what would that be? Too hard? Pick 3 words.
- If you could choose one word to represent your ideal version of yourself, or the person you strive to become, what would that be?
- Throughout the course of this year, what things can you add, what changes can you make, and what destructive or unfulfilling behaviours can you crowd out in order to bring you closer to that one word you want to embody?
(Bron: http://eat-spin-run-repeat.com/2013/01/21/15-big-questions-to-answer-in-your-journal/?)
Keep a 5 year journal
What is a 5 year journal?
That was my question when I first heard of it. (Ok, my first question was “five years??” Stick with me, though, it’s relatively painless. I promise.) A five year journal is, just as it sounds, a journal you keep for five years. You write just one line every day, one minute of your time – that’s all it takes. The fun part is that you record your one daily line in the same spot for five years, so where you chose to write your January 1, 2012 line is the same place you write your January 1, 2016 line. This means that each year you get to see what you wrote the previous year(s). That’s what I think the beauty of it is: seeing the comparison of the year’s entries. Here’s an example if I had done it for the past five years:
What is your number one goal this year?
January 1, 2008: Try to make Vegas feel more like ‘home.’ January 1, 2009: Lose weight, “had a baby” isn’t an excuse 2 years later. January 1, 2010: Keep new house cleaner than the last. January 1, 2011: Be more involved at Zach’s school. January 1, 2012: Spend more time playing with Keagan.
Getting Started
Step 1. Prompts or Self-Directed?
Do you want to write a line about the day as it occurs to you or would you like to have a little direction each day? If you want to write a line without prompting, skip to the next step. I especially liked the idea of answering a question each day. I can’t always think of what to write about my day but answering a simple question like “Did you go anywhere?” gives me a jump-start. Remember: choosing to go with questions doesn’t lock you in. I could answer that question of whether I went anywhere with something as short as “Just to work” or I could elaborate and write “No, I was sick with the flu that Austin gave me that Kyle gave him….” You can even disregard the question and just write what you’d like. The question is there to help you if you need a prompt to get writing. Because I liked the idea of using questions, I compiled a list of 365 questions for the year. Remember we’ll use the same 365 questions each year so we only need to worry about getting the questions the first year. Here are the questions for January and February. Click on the links to open pdfs you can print or save to your computer. I’ll be back the middle of each month to share the next month’s list, my experiences, and a look at how my five year journal is coming along.
Step 2. Your “Journal”You’ll need a place to actually keep your journaling. Here are some ideas:
Step 3. Start Journaling
http://debbiehodge.com/category/projects/5-year-album/
(Bron: http://debbiehodge.com/2012/01/5-year-journal-01/)
That was my question when I first heard of it. (Ok, my first question was “five years??” Stick with me, though, it’s relatively painless. I promise.) A five year journal is, just as it sounds, a journal you keep for five years. You write just one line every day, one minute of your time – that’s all it takes. The fun part is that you record your one daily line in the same spot for five years, so where you chose to write your January 1, 2012 line is the same place you write your January 1, 2016 line. This means that each year you get to see what you wrote the previous year(s). That’s what I think the beauty of it is: seeing the comparison of the year’s entries. Here’s an example if I had done it for the past five years:
What is your number one goal this year?
January 1, 2008: Try to make Vegas feel more like ‘home.’ January 1, 2009: Lose weight, “had a baby” isn’t an excuse 2 years later. January 1, 2010: Keep new house cleaner than the last. January 1, 2011: Be more involved at Zach’s school. January 1, 2012: Spend more time playing with Keagan.
Getting Started
Step 1. Prompts or Self-Directed?
Do you want to write a line about the day as it occurs to you or would you like to have a little direction each day? If you want to write a line without prompting, skip to the next step. I especially liked the idea of answering a question each day. I can’t always think of what to write about my day but answering a simple question like “Did you go anywhere?” gives me a jump-start. Remember: choosing to go with questions doesn’t lock you in. I could answer that question of whether I went anywhere with something as short as “Just to work” or I could elaborate and write “No, I was sick with the flu that Austin gave me that Kyle gave him….” You can even disregard the question and just write what you’d like. The question is there to help you if you need a prompt to get writing. Because I liked the idea of using questions, I compiled a list of 365 questions for the year. Remember we’ll use the same 365 questions each year so we only need to worry about getting the questions the first year. Here are the questions for January and February. Click on the links to open pdfs you can print or save to your computer. I’ll be back the middle of each month to share the next month’s list, my experiences, and a look at how my five year journal is coming along.
Step 2. Your “Journal”You’ll need a place to actually keep your journaling. Here are some ideas:
- a spiral bound notebook
- a ‘junk journal’ or smash book
- a mini-album
- a text document on your computer
- a blog
Step 3. Start Journaling
- Don’t worry about the fact it’s not the beginning of the year, start today or start tomorrow. I’ll admit, I didn’t start January 1st. I didn’t learn about five year journals until the 6th of the month. I’m not going to let the date stop me, though. I just answered a couple questions a night until I was caught up. The questions I compiled were chosen to be a little general, and therefore easy to play catch up with if you decide to do so.
- Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Don’t think of the ‘forest.’ Just focus on the one line a day. If you miss a day, no one will know.. more importantly no one will care. Just catch up the next day.
- Make your journal part of your morning or evening routine. If you are keeping a notebook, keep it next to your bed. If you’re using something like I am, just keep a small stack of the coming week’s cards next to your bed with a pen.
http://debbiehodge.com/category/projects/5-year-album/
(Bron: http://debbiehodge.com/2012/01/5-year-journal-01/)
The 12 benefits of journaling
Keeping a journal has a multitude of benefits and can be so much fun. It's like having a confidant you can tell anything to without fear of being embarrassed or teased or having the past brought up to prove you're something you no longer are.
It's easy, and you can start today. No matter what your age.
Medium: Nice quality purchased journal (usually these are made with acid-free paper so that they last), or use any old notebook, if that's what you have. You may use a typewriter and looseleaf paper, or a computer (make certain if you use this option, back it up by keeping a copy on a disk or stick.)
What to write: This is very personal and entirely up to you. You can free-write without thinking. You can set goals and check them off. You can make it very structured like this:
(bron: http://familyshare.com/12-benefits-of-journaling)
It's easy, and you can start today. No matter what your age.
Medium: Nice quality purchased journal (usually these are made with acid-free paper so that they last), or use any old notebook, if that's what you have. You may use a typewriter and looseleaf paper, or a computer (make certain if you use this option, back it up by keeping a copy on a disk or stick.)
What to write: This is very personal and entirely up to you. You can free-write without thinking. You can set goals and check them off. You can make it very structured like this:
- Who and what you prayed for.
- What you ate.
- What you have learned.
- Who you have helped.
- What you did that you've been putting off.
- What you have learned by reading your scriptures.
- What you did that you were afraid of doing.
- How you felt about your day.
- Stress reduction. Anything you write releases what is ricocheting around internally and causing stress-related damage. Get it out and onto paper.
- Clarity. Sometimes just free-writing what is going on allows you to sort through the details and come up with solutions. It helps you to see things as they really are and not as your emotions color them.
- Get to know you. Journaling is a great way to really become acquainted with yourself; what you believe in, what matters most to you, and sharing your dreams, goals, and passions.
- Resolution. Don't stew over disagreements. Get them onto paper and work out solutions, then put those solutions to work for you.
- Lessons learned. Record what you have learned from your mistakes to lessen the chances of ever making them again.
- Process events. Analyze things that happen around you to determine their impact on you, why they happened, and what motivated them. Make lemonade out of lemons.
- Healing. Sometimes there are things that happen to you that you could never bring yourself to discuss with anyone else. The first step to healing is to put it down on paper so that you can begin to forgive and heal.
- Bucket lists. Journals are a great place to plan things that you want to accomplish. In a way, by writing them down you are obligating yourself to actually get them done.
- Dreams. We often receive messages in our dreams. Write them down before you forget them, and then try to figure out what they mean.
- Scripture study. This is a biggie. Write down what you learned from your daily study and liken it to your own life. What parallels are there between who you read about, what they are going through, and your own life?
- Timeline. Journal the major events in your life so that you have a point of reference when you get older. Some of these events may be of critical importance at some point, and you will have a record of them to fall back on.
- Personal growth. When you look back at something you wrote at 10 or 15 or 20 years old, you will smile at how far you've come, what you've accomplished, and the wisdom you've gained.
(bron: http://familyshare.com/12-benefits-of-journaling)
Een dagboek bijhouden is niet alleen voor meisjes
Het leven gaat snel; voor je het weet, is er weer een jaar voorbij.En met de tijd, ben je ook je herinneringen kwijt.
We kunnen wel gemakkelijk de grote lijnen van belangrijke gebeurtenissen onthouden, maar de details vergeten we sneller.
Ook met het tijdstip van bepaalde gebeurtenissen durven we onszelf nogal eens te bedriegen. Daarom kan het
soms wat helpen als je een dagboek of een persoonlijk logboek bijhoudt.
Een dagboek geeft je overzicht en perspectief
Een groot voordeel van het bijhouden van een dagboek is dat je steeds overzicht blijft houden.
In drukke periodes durven we allemaal wel eens het overzicht te verliezen.
Dan zien we het bos door de bomen niet meer. Als we alles van een afstand bekijken, zie je alles weer in het juiste perspectief.
Door regelmatig je dagboek door te nemen, krijg je je weer inzicht in het grote geheel. Je herkent gemakkelijk belangrijke zaken en thema’s in je leven. Als je alles van dag tot dag bekijkt, mis je deze thema's.
Misschien maak je dikwijls dezelfde fouten zonder dat je het zelf beseft. Door deze fouten te bekijken vanuit een ruimer perspectief , zie je misschien sneller het eigenlijk probleem en vind je betere oplossingen.
Het kan een nuttige ervaring zijn om regelmatig door je dagboek te gaan.
Waarover schrijf je dan?
Velen willen wel aan een dagboek beginnen maar durven de eerste stap niet te zetten omdat ze niet weten waarover te schrijven.
Schrijf over wat je zelf wil !
In het begin voelt het misschien wat onwennig aan, maar hou vol.
Na enkel dagen (of bij anderen: weken) zal je merken dat het gemakkelijker wordt.
Als je geen ervaring hebt, zal je waarschijnlijk in het begin gewoon verslag doen van wat er allemaal gebeurde.
Na een tijdje zal je merken dat je meer en meer je persoonlijke gedachten en gevoelens zal toevertrouwen aan je
dagboek.
Hoe dikwijls schrijf je ?
Ook dat kies je zelf.
Sommigen schrijven elke dag, anderen slechts in het weekend. Het belangrijkste is dat je het regelmatig doet en dat je het blijft doen.
Het maakt ook niet uit hoe je schrijft.
Of je nu korte zinnen en statements noteert, of vele pagina’s volschrijft…. dat is allemaal niet belangerijk.
Experimenteer wat en ontdek je eigen stijl.
Probeer alleen regelmatig te schrijven zodat het een gewoonte wordt.
Dit moet je dagboek zeker niet zijn :
Eigenlijk is een dagboek datgene wat jij ervan maakt.
Begin er gewoon aan en zie wat het voor jou kan betekenen.
( Bron: http://www.mindwell.be/persoonlijke-ontwikkeling/een-dagboek-bijhouden-is-niet-alleen-voor-meisjes/)
We kunnen wel gemakkelijk de grote lijnen van belangrijke gebeurtenissen onthouden, maar de details vergeten we sneller.
Ook met het tijdstip van bepaalde gebeurtenissen durven we onszelf nogal eens te bedriegen. Daarom kan het
soms wat helpen als je een dagboek of een persoonlijk logboek bijhoudt.
Een dagboek geeft je overzicht en perspectief
Een groot voordeel van het bijhouden van een dagboek is dat je steeds overzicht blijft houden.
In drukke periodes durven we allemaal wel eens het overzicht te verliezen.
Dan zien we het bos door de bomen niet meer. Als we alles van een afstand bekijken, zie je alles weer in het juiste perspectief.
Door regelmatig je dagboek door te nemen, krijg je je weer inzicht in het grote geheel. Je herkent gemakkelijk belangrijke zaken en thema’s in je leven. Als je alles van dag tot dag bekijkt, mis je deze thema's.
Misschien maak je dikwijls dezelfde fouten zonder dat je het zelf beseft. Door deze fouten te bekijken vanuit een ruimer perspectief , zie je misschien sneller het eigenlijk probleem en vind je betere oplossingen.
Het kan een nuttige ervaring zijn om regelmatig door je dagboek te gaan.
Waarover schrijf je dan?
Velen willen wel aan een dagboek beginnen maar durven de eerste stap niet te zetten omdat ze niet weten waarover te schrijven.
Schrijf over wat je zelf wil !
In het begin voelt het misschien wat onwennig aan, maar hou vol.
Na enkel dagen (of bij anderen: weken) zal je merken dat het gemakkelijker wordt.
Als je geen ervaring hebt, zal je waarschijnlijk in het begin gewoon verslag doen van wat er allemaal gebeurde.
Na een tijdje zal je merken dat je meer en meer je persoonlijke gedachten en gevoelens zal toevertrouwen aan je
dagboek.
Hoe dikwijls schrijf je ?
Ook dat kies je zelf.
Sommigen schrijven elke dag, anderen slechts in het weekend. Het belangrijkste is dat je het regelmatig doet en dat je het blijft doen.
Het maakt ook niet uit hoe je schrijft.
Of je nu korte zinnen en statements noteert, of vele pagina’s volschrijft…. dat is allemaal niet belangerijk.
Experimenteer wat en ontdek je eigen stijl.
Probeer alleen regelmatig te schrijven zodat het een gewoonte wordt.
Dit moet je dagboek zeker niet zijn :
- ordelijk
- logisch
- zonder spelfouten
- interessant voor anderen
- uitgebreid
- beleefd en beschaafd
- Een overzciht van
gebeurtenissen - Tickets van concerten of
tentoonstellingen - Foto’s
- Brieven
- Tekeningen
- Gedichten
- Gedachten & Gevoelens
- Ideeën
- ...
- Leesbaar
- Gedateerd
- Je kan overal schrijven
- Je kan altijd schrijven
Eigenlijk is een dagboek datgene wat jij ervan maakt.
Begin er gewoon aan en zie wat het voor jou kan betekenen.
( Bron: http://www.mindwell.be/persoonlijke-ontwikkeling/een-dagboek-bijhouden-is-niet-alleen-voor-meisjes/)
Leuk om te weten:
Je kunt jouw dagboek alles toevertrouwen wat je beroert, je ergert, je vrolijk heeft gemaakt op de betreffende dag.
Je moet bedenken dat, wanneer je als oude oma nog eens je dagboek doorbladert, het net een soort persoonlijk geschiedenisboek voor je zal zijn. Schrijf dus die dingen op die voor jou op die dag belangrijk kunnen zijn of zijn.
Dit kunnen zowel ingrijpende dan wel grappige ,vrolijke gebeurtenissen zijn. Schrijf je diepste gevoelens van je af tegen je dagboek. Geef het een naam alsof het je beste vriendin is waartegen je alleen je diepste zielsroerselen vertelt! Je zult zien dat het zelfs enigszins therapeutisch zal werken doordat je ergernissen vooral van je af kunt schrijven. Door het op te schrijven verwerk je het al, wist je dat? Doe het alleen als je zeker weet dat er thuis zoveel
voor je is, dat er niet stiekem in gelezen wordt. Een dagboek is echt persoonlijk!
Ook kun je er bijvoorbeeld foto's in plaatsen,bonnetjes, en ansicht kaarten.
Personal history in debt:
If you are really intent on getting your personal history done in depth, here's a cheat sheet for you!
You can do it all in one fail swoop if you have hours on end, or do it in sections at a time. You can write your answers down, do an audio and/or visual recording, or use these as starting points for scrapbook pages, poems, songs, etc. You can also use these questions to interview an older loved-one before s/he passes.
Your birth and family:
*What is your full name and how did you get that name? Do you have any nicknames?
*What are your parent's full names and birth dates and places?
*What is the date of your birth? Where were you born? What are some of the circumstances (when your mom went in to labor, how long, her doctor, your dad fainting, etc.) of your birth?
*What are your sibling's full names and birth dates?
*How was your relationship with your siblings and parents?
*What are some lessons you learned from you parents?
*How did you help in your home?
Growing up, early years:
*Where did you grow up? Describe it.
*What was your earliest memory?
*What games did you play as a child?
*Where did you go to school?
*Who were your friends?
*Who were your favorite teachers and why?
*What were your chores?
Growing up, teenage years:
*What activities did you participate in? (Sports, dancing, music, arts, etc.) Explain what you did with each activity.
*How did you learn how to drive? What kind of car did you have?
*Who were your friends?
*Did you have a girl/boy friend? Talk about him/her (if your spouse is okay with it!).
*What did you like/dislike about school?
*What was your first paid job?
*What were your chores at home?
College years:
*Did you attend college or a trade school of some sort?
*How did you choose what you wanted to be when you grew up?
*What did you think was the hardest thing about your chosen profession at that time? Did it turn out that way?
*What dumb things did you do during those years?
*What good things did you do?
*Did you live on your own? How well prepared were you for that?
*What life lessons did you learn?
*What choices did you make that affect where you are now?
Work:
*What jobs have you had? (Give details of the dates, places, responsibilities, etc.)
*What did you like/dislike about each job?
*What did you learn at each job?
*Have you used any of that knowledge in later years?
*Who were your bosses? Did you like them/get along?
*How did you get along with your co-workers?
*Which was your favorite job?
*How many years until you retire?
*Do you have any big plans for your retirement? (If retired: What have you done since retirement? What's next?)
Marriage:
*How did you meet your spouse? Was it love at first sight or did it take some time?
*How long did you date before you got engaged? How long was your engagement?
*How did you get engaged? (The story.)
*Who did most of the wedding plans? Who helped?
*Who were your bridesmaids/best men?
*Describe the details of your wedding: the colors, the cake, the decorations, etc.
*Where did your wedding take place? Who performed the ceremony? Do you remember any words of advice given?
*Who attended your wedding?
*Where did you go on your honeymoon? What adventures did you have?
Children:
*Give your children's full names, birth dates and places.
*How did you choose their names?
*What were the circumstances of each child's birth?
*What are some funny things that each child does/did or says/said?
*What do you love most about each child? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
*What are your children involved in?
*How do you spend your time with your children?
*What are your favorite family activities?
Grand-children:
*Give your grand-children's full names, birth dates and places.
*What are the things you love the most about each grand child?
*Are there any traditions that you have with them?
*How often do you see them?
*What do you do to stay in contact?
Celebrations:
*What are some of your personal and family traditions for each holiday? (New Years, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Easter, Christmas, etc.)
*What traditions have you carried over from your childhood? Which ones did you start in your own family?
*How do you celebrate adult's birthdays?
*How do you celebrate children's birthdays?
*How do you celebrate your anniversary?
Religion:
*How did you gain your testimony of the Gospel?
*Write your testimony.
*How has the Gospel and knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan helped you in your life?
*What ordinances have you completed? (Baptism, Blessing, Endowment, Sealing, etc.) Describe the day, circumstances, who was there, any advice you were given, how you felt, etc.
*What callings have you had? Which were your favorite and least favorite? What did you learn from them?
*What is your favorite scripture/hymn/Conference talk? Why?
*Did you serve a mission? (See the "Just for RM's" tab on top for more in-depth questions!)
Home life:
*Describe the places you've lived.
*What was your favorite house or apartment? Why?
*How do you like to decorate?
*What is it about home that you love?
*How has your standard of life changed through the years?
Sleep:
*How many hours do you like to sleep at night?
*Do you take naps?
*Do you like a lot, or few blankets and pillows?
*Can you sleep anywhere, or does it have to be in your own bed?
*What are your favorite conditions for a good-night's sleep? Does it have to be completely dark and quiet?
Food:
*What are your favorite foods?
*What are your favorite desserts?
*Do you like to cook or bake? What are your favorites to make?
*Do you have any food allergies?
*What are some foods you have a hard time saying "no" to?
*What foods do you HAVE to have name brand? Which can you do generic?
*Do you try to eat healthy?
*Do you prefer eating out? Where?
Health:
*How is your overall health?
*Have you had any surgeries? (If yes, give details.)
*Have you had any broken bones? (If yes, give details.)
*Do you have allergies? (If yes, give details.)
*What are you doing to keep healthy now?
Around the World:
*What major world events have happened in your lifetime?
*Has it affected who you are now?
*Who was the President when you were born? Who is it now?
*What natural disasters have you been in?
Politics:
*Are you involved in politics? How so?
*Are you a specific political party?
*How do you choose who to vote for?
*Are you happy with the Government?
*What would you change if you could?
Nature:
*Where is your favorite place to go to get away from it all?
*What outdoor activities do you like to participate in?
*What are some of your favorite outdoor memories?
Traveling:
*Where in the world have you been?
*Where was your favorite vacation? (As a child, as a teenager, as an adult, etc.)
*Where would your dream vacation be?
*How do you like to travel?
Miscellaneous:
*What is the most daring thing you've done?
*What is the stupidest thing you've done?
*What is your most embarrassing moment? (Or moments.)
*What choices in life would you like to have a redo on?
*What is your general attitude toward life?
Personality:
*What kind of personality do you have? (Shy, outgoing, calm, stressed, etc.)
*How has your personality changed over the years? What made it change?
*How well do you associate with others?
*What makes you nervous/happy/angry/surprised/scared/etc?
Hobbies:
*What are your current hobbies?
*What hobbies have you had in the past?
*How often do you get to do your hobbies?
*What hobbies do you wish you could start?
Death:
*What would you like to do before you die? (Bucket list)
*What are your beliefs about death?
*Are you scared to die?
*How would you like to go?
*What are your final wishes?
*What are your wishes for your funeral and burial?
*What would you like people to say about you when you're gone?
(Bron: http://ldsthisismechallenge.blogspot.com/p/personal-history-in-depth.html)
You can do it all in one fail swoop if you have hours on end, or do it in sections at a time. You can write your answers down, do an audio and/or visual recording, or use these as starting points for scrapbook pages, poems, songs, etc. You can also use these questions to interview an older loved-one before s/he passes.
Your birth and family:
*What is your full name and how did you get that name? Do you have any nicknames?
*What are your parent's full names and birth dates and places?
*What is the date of your birth? Where were you born? What are some of the circumstances (when your mom went in to labor, how long, her doctor, your dad fainting, etc.) of your birth?
*What are your sibling's full names and birth dates?
*How was your relationship with your siblings and parents?
*What are some lessons you learned from you parents?
*How did you help in your home?
Growing up, early years:
*Where did you grow up? Describe it.
*What was your earliest memory?
*What games did you play as a child?
*Where did you go to school?
*Who were your friends?
*Who were your favorite teachers and why?
*What were your chores?
Growing up, teenage years:
*What activities did you participate in? (Sports, dancing, music, arts, etc.) Explain what you did with each activity.
*How did you learn how to drive? What kind of car did you have?
*Who were your friends?
*Did you have a girl/boy friend? Talk about him/her (if your spouse is okay with it!).
*What did you like/dislike about school?
*What was your first paid job?
*What were your chores at home?
College years:
*Did you attend college or a trade school of some sort?
*How did you choose what you wanted to be when you grew up?
*What did you think was the hardest thing about your chosen profession at that time? Did it turn out that way?
*What dumb things did you do during those years?
*What good things did you do?
*Did you live on your own? How well prepared were you for that?
*What life lessons did you learn?
*What choices did you make that affect where you are now?
Work:
*What jobs have you had? (Give details of the dates, places, responsibilities, etc.)
*What did you like/dislike about each job?
*What did you learn at each job?
*Have you used any of that knowledge in later years?
*Who were your bosses? Did you like them/get along?
*How did you get along with your co-workers?
*Which was your favorite job?
*How many years until you retire?
*Do you have any big plans for your retirement? (If retired: What have you done since retirement? What's next?)
Marriage:
*How did you meet your spouse? Was it love at first sight or did it take some time?
*How long did you date before you got engaged? How long was your engagement?
*How did you get engaged? (The story.)
*Who did most of the wedding plans? Who helped?
*Who were your bridesmaids/best men?
*Describe the details of your wedding: the colors, the cake, the decorations, etc.
*Where did your wedding take place? Who performed the ceremony? Do you remember any words of advice given?
*Who attended your wedding?
*Where did you go on your honeymoon? What adventures did you have?
Children:
*Give your children's full names, birth dates and places.
*How did you choose their names?
*What were the circumstances of each child's birth?
*What are some funny things that each child does/did or says/said?
*What do you love most about each child? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
*What are your children involved in?
*How do you spend your time with your children?
*What are your favorite family activities?
Grand-children:
*Give your grand-children's full names, birth dates and places.
*What are the things you love the most about each grand child?
*Are there any traditions that you have with them?
*How often do you see them?
*What do you do to stay in contact?
Celebrations:
*What are some of your personal and family traditions for each holiday? (New Years, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Easter, Christmas, etc.)
*What traditions have you carried over from your childhood? Which ones did you start in your own family?
*How do you celebrate adult's birthdays?
*How do you celebrate children's birthdays?
*How do you celebrate your anniversary?
Religion:
*How did you gain your testimony of the Gospel?
*Write your testimony.
*How has the Gospel and knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan helped you in your life?
*What ordinances have you completed? (Baptism, Blessing, Endowment, Sealing, etc.) Describe the day, circumstances, who was there, any advice you were given, how you felt, etc.
*What callings have you had? Which were your favorite and least favorite? What did you learn from them?
*What is your favorite scripture/hymn/Conference talk? Why?
*Did you serve a mission? (See the "Just for RM's" tab on top for more in-depth questions!)
Home life:
*Describe the places you've lived.
*What was your favorite house or apartment? Why?
*How do you like to decorate?
*What is it about home that you love?
*How has your standard of life changed through the years?
Sleep:
*How many hours do you like to sleep at night?
*Do you take naps?
*Do you like a lot, or few blankets and pillows?
*Can you sleep anywhere, or does it have to be in your own bed?
*What are your favorite conditions for a good-night's sleep? Does it have to be completely dark and quiet?
Food:
*What are your favorite foods?
*What are your favorite desserts?
*Do you like to cook or bake? What are your favorites to make?
*Do you have any food allergies?
*What are some foods you have a hard time saying "no" to?
*What foods do you HAVE to have name brand? Which can you do generic?
*Do you try to eat healthy?
*Do you prefer eating out? Where?
Health:
*How is your overall health?
*Have you had any surgeries? (If yes, give details.)
*Have you had any broken bones? (If yes, give details.)
*Do you have allergies? (If yes, give details.)
*What are you doing to keep healthy now?
Around the World:
*What major world events have happened in your lifetime?
*Has it affected who you are now?
*Who was the President when you were born? Who is it now?
*What natural disasters have you been in?
Politics:
*Are you involved in politics? How so?
*Are you a specific political party?
*How do you choose who to vote for?
*Are you happy with the Government?
*What would you change if you could?
Nature:
*Where is your favorite place to go to get away from it all?
*What outdoor activities do you like to participate in?
*What are some of your favorite outdoor memories?
Traveling:
*Where in the world have you been?
*Where was your favorite vacation? (As a child, as a teenager, as an adult, etc.)
*Where would your dream vacation be?
*How do you like to travel?
Miscellaneous:
*What is the most daring thing you've done?
*What is the stupidest thing you've done?
*What is your most embarrassing moment? (Or moments.)
*What choices in life would you like to have a redo on?
*What is your general attitude toward life?
Personality:
*What kind of personality do you have? (Shy, outgoing, calm, stressed, etc.)
*How has your personality changed over the years? What made it change?
*How well do you associate with others?
*What makes you nervous/happy/angry/surprised/scared/etc?
Hobbies:
*What are your current hobbies?
*What hobbies have you had in the past?
*How often do you get to do your hobbies?
*What hobbies do you wish you could start?
Death:
*What would you like to do before you die? (Bucket list)
*What are your beliefs about death?
*Are you scared to die?
*How would you like to go?
*What are your final wishes?
*What are your wishes for your funeral and burial?
*What would you like people to say about you when you're gone?
(Bron: http://ldsthisismechallenge.blogspot.com/p/personal-history-in-depth.html)
How to start a gratitude journal:
Negativity can invade our families and drag us down. Teaching yourself and your children to recognize goodness in all its great and small forms is important for their outlook.
- At some point in my career as a mother, I grew weary of hearing "Why can't," and the "It's not fair," and "I wish I could," from my children. I needed to teach them to open their eyes to what was right and good in their lives. So, one evening, I brought out a beautiful journal and had them each add something good that had happened in their day. There were a few "hmmmppphhhs" and some whines, but eventually they were all able to come up with something worthwhile.
I told them it would be available to them anytime to write anything good that happened to them. I placed it on the coffee table and something remarkable happened. (Well, okay, it didn't exactly take off like that.) My husband and I were the only ones who picked it up and wrote in it. (At least that's what I thought.) I would periodically pick the book up and read what he and I wrote. Our gratitude for our family. A sunset. Our faith.
Miraculously, a few weeks later there was another entry. And then another. One by one, the kids were catching on to the idea of contributing. The messages were brief, but heartfelt.
"I'm thankful I got an 'A' on my math test."
"The world is pretty in spring."
"Someone took out my trash for me."
Little by little, the book gained popularity and when someone was in a bad mood, they picked up the book and read good things instead of dwelling on the bad.
Start your own Family Gratitude Journal and see where it takes you. - Buy a good quality journal: This is an investment. You don't have to spend a lot, just buy one with acid-free paper to last.
- Have a meeting to explain the concept: Don't come down on or bring up the negative. Just present the journal and let your family know it is there for them to use.
- Lay the ground rules: Let your kids know that this is not a joke or a place to write anything negative. The journal is only to share the joy.
- Give your family some ideas: Let the family know that this isn't only for monumental occasions like birthdays, graduations or anniversaries. It is also for beautiful sunsets, small random acts of kindness, a pretty flower or any of God's other amazing creations. It is for expressing love and gratitude for one another and for all the blessings great and small.
- Encourage everyone to write: If any members of your family come and share good news with you, encourage them to put it into the book and share how they feel about it.
- Encourage your family to read it: When someone is down, persuade them to sit down and read some things in the book, particularly things they have written so that they can see and recall the good things surrounding them.
- Keep it in a central location: Keep it in a common area of the house, but one that doesn't have a lot of commotion so there is privacy to write down thoughts. Let family know to write in the book where it is and not to carry it off somewhere. That way it will always be found
- Keep it in good shape: This is a book that can be passed down to other generations. Encourage your children to start their own when they leave home and especially when they start their own families. Books can be scanned and printed for all family members to keep a copy as they leave home.
- The effect this journal had on my family was a little more recognition of good and a little less whining and attention given to the negative. There are so many things around us that go unnoticed because we are buried in drama and whining. We need to seek out the good, beautiful, kind and wonderful and the family gratitude journal is a place to start. (Bron: http://familyshare.com/how-to-start-a-family-gratitude-journal)
smash book Step-by-step guide:
So you want to capture the memories of life right now, but the idea of scrapbooking overwhelms you? Welcome to the Smash Book! This is a delightfully simplified way to chronicle life’s special moments without the time commitment usually required by scrapbooking. The best news – you can start today!
Step 1: Find a notebook and gather supplies. Any notebook would work – I used one with lined notebook paper, but I think a heavier duty sketch pad would have been a better choice. Your supplies can be as simple as glue (or tape) and a black pen or marker. You can also grab a package of color paper, pre-cut to photo size, some scissors, colored markers, and stickers, for those days you have extra time!
Step 2: Print your photos. There are so many ways to do this, but my favorite right now is the app Kicksend. You can use it to send photos from your phone to any nearby photo lab (Walgreens, Walmart, Target, etc.) – so convenient and quick! I love how it simplifies the process!
Step 3: Start gluing! I try to keep my SmashBook chronological, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. A typical “page” for me is a title in bigger letters at the top, 2-3 photos glued (or taped) on the page, and then a brief description of the photos. Sometimes, I do a journal-style entry with just one photo, and sometimes I only write names or places and dates. That is what I love about my SmashBook – it is so flexible. You can use colored paper to accent the photos and use stickers or simple drawings with markers to embellish too, but you don’t have to! Bonus: Don’t forget to save ticket stubs, programs, maps, etc. whenever you remember. These can help trigger memories for the outings that you forgot to take a photo, and add a little flavor!
Step 4: Don’t be too organized. This is the key to a Smash Book – don’t get so caught up in doing it right that you never do it at all! If you are in a busy season of life, maybe you just get as far as printing photos and sliding them between pages for later. Maybe during a slow or rainy day, you take the time to make 3 or 4 beautiful, elaborate pages. The SmashBook not only keeps record of the photos you take and the experience you have, but it can tell a story of the real life you are living. Embrace the coffee stains, kiddo fingerprints, ripped corners – these are all part of the character of your SmashBook!
(Bron: http://www.therealisticmama.com/smash-book/#_a5y_p=2620627)
Step 1: Find a notebook and gather supplies. Any notebook would work – I used one with lined notebook paper, but I think a heavier duty sketch pad would have been a better choice. Your supplies can be as simple as glue (or tape) and a black pen or marker. You can also grab a package of color paper, pre-cut to photo size, some scissors, colored markers, and stickers, for those days you have extra time!
Step 2: Print your photos. There are so many ways to do this, but my favorite right now is the app Kicksend. You can use it to send photos from your phone to any nearby photo lab (Walgreens, Walmart, Target, etc.) – so convenient and quick! I love how it simplifies the process!
Step 3: Start gluing! I try to keep my SmashBook chronological, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. A typical “page” for me is a title in bigger letters at the top, 2-3 photos glued (or taped) on the page, and then a brief description of the photos. Sometimes, I do a journal-style entry with just one photo, and sometimes I only write names or places and dates. That is what I love about my SmashBook – it is so flexible. You can use colored paper to accent the photos and use stickers or simple drawings with markers to embellish too, but you don’t have to! Bonus: Don’t forget to save ticket stubs, programs, maps, etc. whenever you remember. These can help trigger memories for the outings that you forgot to take a photo, and add a little flavor!
Step 4: Don’t be too organized. This is the key to a Smash Book – don’t get so caught up in doing it right that you never do it at all! If you are in a busy season of life, maybe you just get as far as printing photos and sliding them between pages for later. Maybe during a slow or rainy day, you take the time to make 3 or 4 beautiful, elaborate pages. The SmashBook not only keeps record of the photos you take and the experience you have, but it can tell a story of the real life you are living. Embrace the coffee stains, kiddo fingerprints, ripped corners – these are all part of the character of your SmashBook!
(Bron: http://www.therealisticmama.com/smash-book/#_a5y_p=2620627)
