Join me on a heartfelt exploration to shape a year brimming with stories that celebrate your history and envision your future. Imagine a 2024 where we'll navigate a course of monthly themes, inspired by the moments that define us and the memories we yearn to preserve. From honoring the legacies of loved ones to weaving the wisdom of past lessons into compelling narratives, this episode is an invitation to intentionally craft a year where no memory is left unrecorded.

I share 7 areas that can guide your writerly goals for the year and assure that you are moving forward with preserving your memories with powerful stories!  In this episode I pose questions that will guide  you through choosing an intnention within the areas of topics, habits, purpose/audience, writing skills, writing experiences, or gathering information/research.  Choose one or more and move your writing from a wish to an intentional action!

Are you a visual learner and want the goal areas written out,  check out the related blog post here!

Are you ready to take a first step towrds writing stories about your family, sign up for my free Family Tree Story Starters here, and recieve structure and promtps  to take the first steps towards your writing practice.

And if you are ready to be consistent with preserving your memories with stories, and are looking for a supportive writing community, support, and tools, join me over in the Memory Minder Membership here!

This group is for people who are in the process of writing their own personal stories to preserve their past for their future. It’s a place to come for story writing inspiration, weekly writing-related events and memes, and continued support from me and the other members.

Join like-minded people and get your stories down on paper for your future generations!

Have you ever felt hesitant to embrace holiday traditions?

Well, you're not alone, my friends, and this episode of Preserve Your Past is all about understanding, navigating, and even reveling in the shifting and adjusting of holiday traditions. We explore how life's inevitable changes, including loss and major transitions, can affect our approach to holidays. We discuss the power of journaling and meditating as tools to uncover what lies beneath these feelings, encouraging you to introspect and find your own path to creating new traditions irrespective of circumstances.

We extend our conversation beyond the holiday season and into the realm of preserving our past through personal stories. We believe in the power of narratives and the role they play in connecting us to our past, and in this episode, I share anecdotal snippets from my own family's evolving traditions. We wrap up with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to our dedicated listeners and an invitation to continue cherishing and creating memories, despite the ebb and flow of traditions. So, come along, and join the discussion.

Join the free "Preserve Your Past, Share Your Stories" Facebook group where we are writing about holiday traditions this month!  Let me walk you through the story writing process from beginning to end! https://www.facebook.com/groups/652790609119191/

Last week's related episode :
#25: Shared Stories, Unique Perspectives: A Holiday Trip Down Memory Lane with Allison & Todd

This group is for people who are in the process of writing their own personal stories to preserve their past for their future. It’s a place to come for story writing inspiration, weekly writing-related events and memes, and continued support from me and the other members.

Join like-minded people and get your stories down on paper for your future generations!

Have you ever wondered how your own memories of a shared event might differ from someone else's recollection? Come join me and my siblings, Allison and Todd, as we take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about our cherished tradition of Christmas shopping at Robinson's Five and Dime. As we each share our distinct memories, we unravel the fascinating concept of perspective and the way it shapes our storytelling.

We discuss our joyful experiences of gift-giving, reflect on the importance of being present in the moment, and emphasize the significance of preserving our memories. Together, we navigate our way through our shared history, uncovering the unique aspects of our individual recollections and the profound connections that arise from these discussions. We'll share our thoughts on the special bond between siblings, the anticipation that made the holiday season so magical, and the value of starting meaningful conversations with loved ones.

In the final act of our discussion, we reflect on the importance of personal stories and their power to influence and connect others. The theme of survival, resilience, and legacy is explored, reminding us of the critical role that memories play in our lives. As we wrap up, we invite you, our listeners, to continue these conversations, share your stories, and join us on the mission to keep memories alive for future generations. You don’t want to miss this special episode that promises the warmth of cherished memories and sparks a nostalgic reflection of our past.

My guests:

 Allison Schumann is an International Wellness Facilitator and Spiritual Mentor who has woven 25+ years in the wellness industry with embodied experience in the modalities of breath, massage, the path of Yoga, Meditation + Mindfulness, Human Tuning and Sound Therapy to help corporate groups, communities and individuals feel good more and just feel more.

Learn more about Allison at www.allisonschumann.com or follow her on Instagram: @allison.schumann

Todd Schumann is a maker, a musician, and an extremely talented creative.  Todd brings his unique perspective, kindness, and creativity to all he does. 

You can follow him on Instagram @toddschu70.

This group is for people who are in the process of writing their own personal stories to preserve their past for their future. It’s a place to come for story writing inspiration, weekly writing-related events and memes, and continued support from me and the other members.

Join like-minded people and get your stories down on paper for your future generations!

Have you ever wondered how intuition can guide your life and career? Meet Helen Kosinski, a business coach, animal communicator and former financial services professional. Helen and I delve into the courageous choice she made to break the chains of the corporate world to pursue a fulfilling career based on her love for animals and desire to help others. We discuss the concept of golden handcuffs and the importance of listening to your inner voice to discover your authentic purpose.

Our conversation then turns to the incredible bond we share with our animal companions. Helen, as a certified equine guided educator, shares some remarkable insights about the intuitive abilities of horses and how they can be influential coaching partners. We also share a touching story about a horse helping a woman make a life-altering decision. Further, we discuss the enriching influence of pets in our lives, their critical role in our storytelling, and the essentiality of preserving their tales for future generations.

In this episode, we dig deeper into our connection with animals - how they inspire our creativity, provide comfort in our grief, and teach us valuable life lessons. We provide you with prompts to help you write about your relationship with your pets and share the wisdom they have imparted. We reflect on the significance of pet loss and the necessity to process this grief. By the end of our chat, you’ll be contemplating the profound impact your furry friends have on your life, their legacy, and how they shape your personal narratives. Brace yourself for a heartwarming journey that celebrates the extraordinary power and wisdom of our animal companions.

For more information on Helen and all she has to offer go to https://helenkosinski.com/!

This group is for people who are in the process of writing their own personal stories to preserve their past for their future. It’s a place to come for story writing inspiration, weekly writing-related events and memes, and continued support from me and the other members.

Join like-minded people and get your stories down on paper for your future generations!

Have you ever thought about the rich history that lies within the flavors and traditions of your family recipes? I'm Melissa Ann Kitchen, your host, and in this heartwarming episode, we thoroughly explore the captivating intersection of storytelling and gastronomy. We discover the profound connection between our past and the meals that have defined family gatherings, and I even share my personal story about a cherished recipe card from my wedding.

We dive into the seven step process I walk all my students though including the joy of brainstorming and the creative process of building your recollection around a special dish, with some inspiration from my grandfather's favorite recipe. Prepare to ignite your creativity as we discuss how to connect with our authentic voices to narrate our culinary tales. The journey doesn't end there: we delve further into the narrative-building process, transforming our brainstormed ideas into engaging stories filled with emotive descriptions and insights.

Finally, we discuss the power of revision to fine-tune our narratives, ensuring they leave a lasting impression on readers. But, the excitement does not end with the podcast. In a bid to create a community of storytellers, I extend an invitation to join the Preserve Your Past Writer Stories Group on Facebook and participate in our monthly writing projects. Whether you're an aspiring writer or an expert wordsmith, this is your chance to honor and preserve your family's unique legacy for future generations through the universal language of food and stories. Get ready to stir up some memories as you whisk through your past.

Show links:
A Few of My Favorite Things: Simple Tools for Your Writing Practice

Preserve Your Past! Write Your Stories! Facebook Group

Let me help you with your recipe stories!  Check out The Family Recipe Story Writing Project by clicking here!

This group is for people who are in the process of writing their own personal stories to preserve their past for their future. It’s a place to come for story writing inspiration, weekly writing-related events and memes, and continued support from me and the other members.

Join like-minded people and get your stories down on paper for your future generations!

Have you ever wondered how group writing might improve your personal narratives? Prepare to experience the transformative power of collaborative writing as we explore the advantages of writing in groups - highlighting the benefits of brainstorming, deriving inspiration, staying accountable, and gaining varied perspectives. This isn't just about putting pen to paper, it's about the camaraderie, celebration, and collective creativity that makes these writing sessions a unique practice, irrespective of whether you're teaming up with family, friends, or colleagues.

Join me, Melissa Ann Kitchen, as I share my personal journey with group writing and discuss how it can evolve your craft. Through my own experiences and insights, we'll uncover the five significant benefits of writing in groups and how it can help bust writer's block, inject fresh viewpoints into your stories, and, most importantly, make writing a more gratifying venture. So, don't forget to share your experiences with us - who knows, your writing group endeavours might just inspire someone else to take the leap! Together, let's foster a community where we encourage, inspire, and challenge each other to write compelling stories.

Recently, I had a stark reminder of the preciousness of life and the finite time we have with our loved ones. The loss of a dear family member served as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our past, our stories, and the stories of those we hold dear. This episode is a heartfelt and urgent call to action. It's time to start writing and sharing your tales of love, loss, and everything in between. I'll be sharing five compelling reasons to start this process sooner rather than later, with the aim to honor our loved ones, process our emotions, and pass on valuable life lessons to future generations.

Capturing our personal stories, particularly those we've lived ourselves, is not just an exercise in nostalgia but a powerful tool to understand our experiences in a deeper way. During the course of this episode, we'll explore the importance of starting this process now. We'll delve into how documenting our first-hand accounts can offer a more meaningful way to share our life's journey. Not to worry if you're unsure where to begin, I've got you covered. I'll provide resources and tips that will aid you on this adventure of story preservation. So, join me on this journey and let's start writing our stories today, immortalizing our experiences, and the essence of those we love.

Have you ever wondered about the profound connection between photography and storytelling or how they intertwine to create captivating stories? Join us as we unravel this intriguing relationship with our esteemed guest, Lauren Bodwell, a seasoned portrait photographer with a decade-long experience. Lauren's approach to photography is uniquely authentic, and her insights shed light on the role of light in narrating tales through pictures. 

Lauren's journey into photography is enriched by her personal experiences, especially motherhood, which she shares has helped her break down barriers and become more vulnerable in her art. She also delves into the realm of Instagram reels, showcasing her unique perspective and adding a fresh take on storytelling in photography. Lauren shares valuable advice on moving past self-consciousness and embracing authenticity while capturing moments, while also emphasizing the importance of setting aside time for creativity. 

But what happens to the stories after they're captured? Lauren shares practical tips on preserving memories through various mediums, be it photo books, digital albums, or external hard drives. She also touches upon the power of incorporating audio and video into storytelling, and the significance of building a community of like-minded individuals. Join us on this journey of capturing and preserving memories, and get inspired to start creating your own visual narratives today!

Check out Lauren at www.laurenbodwellphotography.com or follow her on Instagram @LaurenBodwell (Don't Miss Jam Time ;-)

This group is for people who are in the process of writing their own personal stories to preserve their past for their future. It’s a place to come for story writing inspiration, weekly writing-related events and memes, and continued support from me and the other members.

Join like-minded people and get your stories down on paper for your future generations!

Ready to uncover the mysteries of your family tree? In this episode we commemorate Family History Month with a deep exploration of the tools and resources that can aid your personal journey into genealogy. We start with the century-old National Genealogical Society, a trusted leader in the field. We shed light on their mission, the free tools they offer, and what you stand to gain as a paid member. But we don't stop there - we also delve into other amazing resources, such as Family Search, GRIP, and even your local state genealogical society.

What's your family's story? I believe it deserves to live on - and in this episode, we discuss not just the how-to of researching, but also why it's so essential to share our findings. We highlight the importance of turning the powerful personal narratives of your family into lasting legacies. From free resources to crucial tips on writing and sharing your family's saga, this episode is a treasure trove of information for both seasoned genealogists and beginners. So, get ready to discover your roots, learn, and celebrate our rich, diverse, and shared heritage.

Find links to all resources here!

Ready to unlock the innate storyteller within you?  We kick off this episode with a sprinkle of inspiration, presenting you with 10 profound quotes from renowned figures. These pearls of wisdom will act as your launchpad, propelling you into the narrative universe of your life and family history. And remember to check out our Facebook and Instagram, where I've prepared some beautiful quote images for you to save or share!

The voyage doesn't stop here. Together, we'll sail through the sea of our past, guided by our ancestor's wisdom. I'll share a deeply personal tale about a discovery in my grandmother's journal and emphasize why it's so crucial to capture our stories before they're lost. This part of our journey is a call to action, pushing you to document your experiences, trials, and triumphs. Let's embrace the power of empathy and understanding others' viewpoints - these are gifts, not drawbacks.

As we navigate towards the end of this episode, we'll delve deeper into the significance of personal storytelling. We'll discuss the unifying power of shared narratives, their role as memory aids, instruction manuals, and moral compasses. I'll share some personal tips on defeating the dreaded writer's block and finding your story's inspiration. We'll also shine a light on the importance of preserving the past with stories, guiding you towards resources to assist you in your journey. So, are you ready to bring your personal stories to life? Let's harness the power of storytelling together!

Related Blog Post can be found here!

This group is for people who are in the process of writing their own personal stories to preserve their past for their future. It’s a place to come for story writing inspiration, weekly writing-related events and memes, and continued support from me and the other members.

Join like-minded people and get your stories down on paper for your future generations!