When you think of writing your memoir, you think of looking back at your life. Memoir is looking backwards. In the process of looking backward something very strange happens – you write stories that give you a sense of resolution for your future. Writing your memoir allows you to make your past clear and understandable. You clear up your past and deal with it successfully. It is a great paradox that looking back helps you look forward.

Almost all therapy is doing just that – processing or thinking about the past until it makes sense so you can have a better future. So, in a very real sense, writing a memoir is very much like a therapy session. Making sense of your past thoughts and behavior begets a better tomorrow.

When you write a letter to your grandchildren, you do more than make a list of your actions. You write a story about them. Your story follows a pattern. It could be the hero’s journey or a love story. You make sense of your past life by writing it as a story. Without writing your story, you are left with moments of joy or sorrow.

Write your own story. Make sense of your past. It will help you make better decisions today so your future can be better. It will also help your grandchildren make better decisions in their life.