Memoirs & Personal Essays Are a Gift to Loved Ones

Way back in their earliest school days, many students resisted the idea of creative writing. The undertaking can seem daunting, but there are some helpful ways to reframe that viewpoint. Remember, you are now writing for your pleasure—no grades and no deadlines! 

Seniors Have Abundant Stories to Share

As a new year approaches, it’s an apt moment for reflection. Older adults have experienced so much in their lifetimes. Their wisdom and unique perspectives on the past, present, and future are priceless gifts to younger family members. For example: It’s one thing for kids to read about when men first landed on the moon in 1969; it’s quite another to learn of the thrill it was—one-on-one—for their older family members and the entire nation.

Also, it turns out that writing “serves as a therapeutic aid for most individuals,” according to the University of Bolton in Manchester, England. “It offers far more psychological benefits than anyone could have envisioned. Creative writing is said to be helpful in decision-making and stress relief, improving mental health.” 

A research study published in the “Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition,” asserts that mental clarity is enhanced through the act of putting words to paper (or computer). The study said that when individuals expressed their thoughts and feelings on a particular subject for just 20 minutes, their mental clarity was better than those who did not.

Among other perks, creative writing can:

• enhance self-knowledge
• boost self-esteem
• improve attention span
• help express feelings, especially difficult ones
• enhance creativity
• strengthen memory

Personal Essay vs. Memoir

And what better place to begin than mining the important events, experiences, and feelings that your own life has provided? Two of the most common “genres” to explore in this regard are the personal essay and the memoir. 

For most people, the essay is a more realistic endeavor. Simply put, this form of expression, according to Writer's Digest, is “a piece of nonfiction writing that shares an interesting, thought-provoking, entertaining, and/or humorous story for readers that is drawn from the writer's personal experiences.” 

Personal essays are short—usually about 500-650 words. Writer’s Digest explains there are four elements to a successful one: 

1. It's an opening with a great hook. For example, many essay writers dive in with an especially dramatic, provocative, or humorous scene. “That's why many personal essays start with a pivotal moment /cliffhanger from later in the essay before jumping into the actual essay.”
2. An emotion-evoking story (concise though it must be) starring interesting characters. Most successful stories, whether fiction or nonfiction, have memorable players. Since personal essays are typically first-person narratives, this includes the author. But there are times when authors of personal essays step to the side and let their characters take the spotlight. So, think about how you portray the real characters in your personal essay.
3. A credible setting. Details matter—especially sensory ones.
4. A meaningful conclusion. A strong story isn’t enough; it must be integrated with a theme or message. For example, an essay about a conversation with a stranger may convey that it’s worth taking a chance; you may strike up a meaningful friendship. 

A memoir is a book-length piece of writing in which the author—among other things—shares a series of experiences, memories, or life-altering events as experienced through their own eyes. However, it’s not an autobiography. Rather, “a memoir is a story from a life, not the story of a life.” The intention is to help the writer examine their own experiences to better help others—who may have experienced similar challenges—to better understand their own life events. The strongest takeaway from a moving memoir is the lesson, one that’s communicated by honest, well-expressed self-reflection.

A Thoughtful Gift, Cherished Forever

Sometimes finding the perfect gift is not easy. You may spend days or months trying to figure out what your loved ones don’t already have or even understand the fashion sense of grandkids. If this sounds like you, then consider sharing a special memory, a collection of personal essays, or a memoir with loved ones. If you don’t consider yourself to be a writer, don’t worry! Just put your pen to paper and start small with a single handwritten letter. Then, you can develop a habit of writing by having a dedicated notebook/diary to jot down your memories throughout the year. If you want to be a little creative, prepare a scrapbook with pictures to accommodate your letters and words of wisdom. Lastly, for those of you who are tech-savvy, you can type out your memories and have them printed and bound with a nice book cover. Anything you put together, as raw and unedited as it may be (even if it includes spelling errors, scratch-offs, and scribbles), will be a beautifully authentic gift to give and will be cherished amongst those you love dearly for years and years to come. 

Home Care Assistance with Visiting Angels SE-OKC

‘Tis the season for giving! If you or a senior loved one needs assistance over the holidays, consider home care services with Visiting Angels SE-OKC. Our caregivers provide care to seniors in Southeast Oklahoma City and are available day, night, weekends, and even holidays so that you can receive the care you need. For more information, schedule a free, in-home consultation at (405) 259-9155.