Could I, or should I?

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

My family is pressing me hard and heavy, to write about my wonderful life, made wonderful by them. As I have written many short stories, and many poems, many of which I have shared here at one time or another. Their first chose is get everything on my computer hard drive, but my oldest Son, Joshua, thinks I should share them here in this forum, as he wants me to have an outlet. He knows my password, and has instructions to notify anyone who wishes to know when I have passed, be it sooner or later. But, he also thinks it is good for my soul to share, as both my physical and mental health are both in decline. He also tells me that I could have much of it, in two places, on my computer, and here, will make retrieval more easily done. 
 

So, the question is (as stated) Could I, or should I? Some have been mods, and some may still be, just looking for advice? 

[Tacenda]

I think that would be fine. 

[rpn]

I think you should tell the stories using the Otter App that transcribes them (the paid version will also punctuate them).  That way your progeny will be able to hear your voice too.   And it will be easy to clip and paste some of the stories here.   (The other advantage of doing it that way is that you will inevitably leave out stuff your first time through and that will make it easier to remember what you forgot for the rewrites.)

Edited August 22, 2023 by rpn

[Rain]

2 hours ago, rpn said:

I think you should tell the stories using the Otter App that transcribes them (the paid version will also punctuate them).  That way your progeny will be able to hear your voice too.   And it will be easy to clip and paste some of the stories here.   (The other advantage of doing it that way is that you will inevitably leave out stuff your first time through and that will make it easier to remember what you forgot for the rewrites.)

I would suggest using the free version first to see how it works with your voice.  I use it with refugee interviews and some voices (including English speakers) work much better than others.  But overall it is a great tool.  

[Rain]

I've been reading Anatomy of the Soul and it suggests writing an autobiography:

"Start by thinking of your earliest memory. After you have recorded that memory, continue writing as much as you can remember about the first decade of your life in as much detail as you can. Do not become overwhelmed by trying to write about later events. Also, do not be concerned about keeping everything in strict chronological order. Simply record what comes to your mind, paying close attention to describe sensations, feelings, images, colors, and the like—not just factual events. Then continue with your second and third decade, and so forth.

"After you have written for a while, choose a trusted friend, pastor, priest, spiritual director, or counselor to whom you would be willing to read your story and who would be equally willing to ask you questions about what you think and feel about your narrative. Ask yourself, How did this experience of reading my narrative to a person I trust change what and how I remember and what I feel? You may sense that this could be somewhat intimidating, exposing the most intimate details of your life to another, especially if you have never done this before. Essentially, you are entering into what Paul reflects in 1 Corinthians 13:12. You are making possible the experience of being known.

"As you construct your narrative, you’re likely to discover that your implicit and explicit memories are being woven together in a way that makes more sense, especially as you experience someone else listening to you in an empathic manner. You will begin to connect implicit memory with the events that produced them. That, in turn, will lead to greater awareness of the true source of your deepest feelings... Once you have read your narrative to a confidant, go back and reread what you have written, paying close attention to what you feel as you read. If other memories begin to surface, feel free to add them. Over time, as you believe you have exhausted what you remember from one decade, proceed on to the next. You will soon see the tapestry of your life weaving together in colors and textures you were unaware of. If you do not remember many details from your early childhood, do not despair.

"As you begin this process of remembering, reflecting, and telling your story to others, you will activate neural networks that have been dormant, perhaps for many years. This process of remembering will begin to wake them up. This does not guarantee that you will eventually remember every detail. However, you are likely to become consciously aware of many more memories, which will enhance and change your memory of your past and so shift your anticipation of your future."

He actually has you write by hand for a couple of reasons, but I think in your circumstance using the keyboard or an app like Otter might be better.