Capturing Your Life Story, Caring for Your Heart, and Creating an Estate Plan

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The small stories we carry — the ones that explain who we are, where we’ve been, and what we’ve learned — often disappear before anyone writes them down. You don’t need to be a writer to start. You just need to notice what’s worth remembering and give it a place to live outside your head.

Pick one memory that still feels alive when you think of it: a childhood smell, a moment that changed your path, a time you were proud or afraid or surprised by your own courage. Start there. Write it the way you’d tell it out loud — no polishing, no perfect structure. A few paragraphs are enough.

If writing feels uncomfortable, try recording yourself talking instead. Your natural voice — pauses, laughter, tangents — carries meaning on its own. Later, those spoken stories can be transcribed and lightly shaped into something that reads just like you. Some people work with a listener or interviewer to help organize what comes up; others just start talking and see where memory takes them. The key is not perfection — it’s presence.

If you’d like some guidance on how to record, organize, or shape your memories into something lasting, reply “life story consult” for a free conversation about where to begin and how to keep the process simple.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — stories have a way of multiplying when we start telling them.

“The Evening Train”
From the life overview of Henry W., 84, Chicago, IL. Shared with permission.

I used to walk to the train station every evening just to watch the sun slip behind the skyline. The smell of warm asphalt and the faint smoke from the tracks mingled with the chatter of people hurrying home. I wasn’t catching a train myself—I was waiting for my daughter’s late-night commute—but mostly, I liked the quiet ritual: the rhythm of steel wheels rolling and brakes squealing.

One particularly cold winter, while snow was drifting in long, lazy flakes, I slipped on the platform and fell hard on my knee. A young woman helping a toddler caught me just in time, and I laughed through the sting, grateful for a stranger’s warmth. My daughter arrived moments later with her cheeks flushed, and we walked home together, bundled against the wind, talking about school projects and gossip from the neighborhood.

Now, even though my daughter lives across the country, I still visit that station once in a while. I stand on the same platform, listening to the echo of trains and feeling the vibration through my shoes, smelling the faint oil and iron in the cold air. I think about that night—falling, being caught, walking home—and I realize that the station isn’t just a place of departure or arrival. Rather, it’s a place of connection, of small kindnesses, and of life moving steadily, even when you can’t see the next stop.

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The Rubin Museum of Art: Mindfulness and Meditation Resources
This New York museum devoted to Himalayan art offers free online meditation sessions and short mindfulness videos inspired by its collection. Each program blends art, philosophy, and gentle reflection—ideal for moments when you want focus without noise.

Letters of Note
A quiet gem for readers: Letters of Note curates remarkable real letters from history—writers, scientists, musicians, and everyday people—each presented with context and scanned originals. It’s an intimate window into the art of correspondence and the humanity behind famous names.

National Film Board of Canada: Free Documentaries
The NFB’s online platform offers hundreds of free, high-quality documentaries and animated shorts, many focused on nature, creativity, and social life in Canada. The collection’s tone is reflective and humane—excellent for an evening of thoughtful viewing.

This daily section is brought to you by MemoirGhostwriting.com, experts in capturing life stories for loved ones and/or the public. We can meet any budget. (Does your story deserve to be told?)

Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Even a few sentences are a memory preserved for loved ones.

Getting help with capturing your story begins with a free Vision Meeting. In under an hour, we’ll reflect on your life’s work and define goals, themes, and style. Then our expert interviewers, writers, editors, and designers will craft your book—with your ongoing input—to preserve your story, wisdom, and legacy exactly as you intend.

Call 1-888-MEMGHOST or email [email protected] to begin a process clients describe as “meaningful,” “easy,” and even “a lot of fun.”

Staying connected with family gets tricky when everyone has their own appointments, trips, and schedules. An online calendar can quietly solve that problem—no more long group texts or missed birthdays. Once set up, it keeps everyone synced whether they’re across town or across the country. Here’s how to make it work for you.

If you’re new to online calendars, think of them as digital planners you can share.

Quick Tip: Set two reminders—one the day before and one an hour before—to balance planning with punctuality.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can add a few features that save even more time.

An online calendar won’t replace a good family chat, but it keeps the little details from slipping through the cracks. Once it’s set up, everyone can see what’s happening without back-and-forth messages. It’s a simple habit that saves time, avoids confusion, and helps the whole household stay a bit more organized.

Cruise deal of the day: 4 Nights Bahamas Cruise - departing November 17, from $169

Unmissable American gem: Cape May, New Jersey, is a charming seaside retreat known for its Victorian architecture, gentle beaches, and relaxed pace—making it a favorite getaway for seniors who enjoy history, ocean breezes, and leisurely strolls along the promenade.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Gentle comedy about life in a fictional Southern town.

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