by Vicki Peel | Sep 7, 2023 | Clear Clutter |
By Guest Blogger, Elizabeth H. Cottrell, Heartspoken.com
When an idea crosses your mind in more than one way within a short period of time, it’s best to pay attention. I call these “God nudges,” but others may cite serendipity. Whatever you choose, they are often learning or growth opportunities that, if ignored, will fly away and possibly not return.
I’ve recently had two such “opportunities” by being involved in clearing, sorting, tossing, and distributing the possessions of two women I love—my aunt and my mother—who had to vacate a large home or apartment. It was a bittersweet experience, but I learned some valuable lessons:
1. I don’t need “things” to remember my loved ones.
I am the oldest of five, and each of my siblings had quite different emotions about what they wanted to keep and what could be let go. One asked for the sweater Mom wore at her graduation or the lamp she and our mother bought when they were shopping together. Another felt protective of all of Dad’s military memorabilia. Another was concerned that we save anything our children might be able to use in their homes.
Was I lacking in compassion or family sentimentality when I didn’t find it hard to release most of my aunt’s or my mother’s possessions? I already had a home full of things that made me happy, including other family items that I use and enjoy. I didn’t need more except for a piece or two of jewelry that have been handed down from grandmother to mother to daughter to granddaughter or aunt to niece to great-niece.
I realized that as long as I can remember my loved ones, they will ride lightly on my heart without help from a “thing” they owned. And when my memory is gone, it no longer matters.
2. If you don’t love it, let someone else have it.
When my parents moved to a retirement community from the house where they had lived for decades, we “kids” felt we had to keep their possessions for fear of hurting their feelings. We stuffed our already-full homes with items that Mom and Dad had bought or even received themselves as gifts.
Several months later, when Mom was visiting, she saw a figurine that had been in her home all my life and which I had taken out of a sense of obligation. “I always hated that thing,” she declared out of the blue. “We got it for a wedding gift, and I couldn’t make myself get rid of it.”
Light bulb realization: just because my mother owned it for years didn’t mean it was a treasured family possession. From that day on, I felt liberated to keep only things I thought I would use or enjoy.
3. There comes a time when you should say to yourself, “Downsize now so someone else won’t have to do it.”
Clearing out someone else’s home is a huge job, and for me, this was a wake-up call to do what I can to minimize the job of clearing out our own house in the future.
Unless you’ve documented the provenance of family heirlooms, for instance, your own heirs will have no context for sorting and tossing other than their own taste. I want to save my daughter time and emotional energy by making the hard decisions now, decluttering our home, and identifying anything I want her to know about its history. It will still be tough for her, but I’m determined to make it easier by starting now.
4. A good system can maintain good habits.
There are two ways I hope to accomplish and maintain my downsizing goal:
- Whenever I bring something new into the house, I’ll take something old out. Wish me luck with that one.
- I’ll remember Gretchen Rubin’s One Minute Rule: “Whatever you can do in one minute, do it.” This may not seem like very long, but I’ve been astounded at the things I can get done in this short amount of time:
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- Declutter a drawer.
- Toss pens and markers that don’t writ.
- Papers can be straightened and reviewed for trash or filing.
- Put a book I’ve finished into a donation box.
- Examine and discard or donate knick-knacks.
- Sort a stack of mail and discard the junk.
- Put away that pair of shoes you just took off. Pull out any other shoes that hurt your feet and give them away or discard.
- Open any closet and discard or give away contents you haven’t worn in three years.
I’m taking baby steps – one drawer, one corner, one small closet. Intentional downsizing makes me feel lighter and freer. And one day, my daughter will thank me.
Elizabeth is a writer, speaker, blogger, and author of HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire. Above all, she is a connector and encourager whose passion for note writing has launched a #HeartspokenMovement to help readers find their own heartspoken voice and learn to harness their own note-writing superpower.
Connect with Elizabeth:
P.S. From Vicki
If you don’t have Elizabeth’s book, Heartspoken, then you need to take a look. You’ll be glad you did. Everyone should have a copy!
by Vicki Peel | Aug 23, 2023 | Lifestyle |
“See yourself living in abundance and you will attract it. It always works, it works every time, with every person.” – Bob Proctor
You probably don’t constantly think about how your mindset affects your life. You may have always thought this way, either because of how you were raised or through your experiences. Your mindset in fact not only affects your life, but it also directs your life. Changing how you think is the single most important thing you can do to improve your life.
It’s not easy to do. I know. I’ve been working on mindset shifts to improve my life for a long time. It’s never too late to live the life you dream about.
Abundance mindset, scarcity mindset, fear mindset, fixed mindset, growth mindset, confident mindset and many others are all different types of mindsets we have. Do any of these mindsets sound like you? Each unconscious and conscious belief affects our lives every moment.
According to the research of Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, the power of our beliefs, both conscious and unconscious, is far greater than we imagine and changing even the simplest of them can have profound impact on nearly every aspect of our lives.
The world has changed dramatically in the last few years. And by all accounts, that kind of change will continue. The political climate has become something I could never have imagined. Of course, people have differences of opinions, but whatever happened to collaboration and compromise?
Climate change is real. We are not being good stewards of the planet on which we live. My hope is that my grandchildren and their grandchildren will have the intelligence and sense of responsibility to right some of the wrongs my generation has inflicted upon the earth.
Yes, the world has changed. What some may see as limiting and disruptive may be seen by others as an opportunity – an opportunity to emerge in ways you define. Change has occurred rapidly and definitively. Are you moving around by the winds of change or defining your own change and how you can take control of your life?
The first step is becoming aware of our mindset and consciously choosing to develop a mindset that will help us move forward with creating our intentional life. If we allow ourselves to remain stuck in the flow of things, we are abdicating our choices to circumstances. All the advice in the world about how to get the most out of life is worthless if we don’t take responsibility for the choices we make, or we allow those choices to be made for us.
For us to emerge from these experiences and thrive, not just exist, we need to think about and plan for who we are now and who we want to be in the future. We can start by practicing mindfulness and reframing our mindset.
If you are totally happy with yourself and your ability to navigate the new normal, I suggest you stop reading here. But before you go, describe your strategies for being in control of your life and what makes you feel secure in your abilities to move forward with confidence.
If you’re still reading, here are five ways changing your mindset to an abundance or growth mindset can improve your life.
- You aren’t afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Changing your mindset to one of growth allows you to see the many different paths available to you in whatever you are seeking, whether it is job advancement, creative outlets, or something more personal. This allows you to move forward rather than being stuck in the same place.
- You become comfortable sharing ideas without feeling threatened or intimidated, which leads to better choices, environments, and relationships.
- Changing your mindset to one of growth helps you build better personal and romantic relationships. You realize people will always have differences. You learn that a relationship involves learning about and from each other.
- You’ll begin to judge yourself and others less. You won’t have time to waste on judging others are saying or doing. Instead, you’ll be able to focus on making progress in your life.
- The change to a growth mindset allows you to accept constructive criticism for what it is and use it for personal growth. You become more confident because you won’t need validation to reassure you that you’re doing it right.
You can change your mindset. And it will improve your life. Your skills can be cultivated, learned, practiced, and grown. You no longer worry about what will happen. Instead, you will commit to the process of taking action and learning along the way.
Changing your mindset helps you to step out of your comfort zone to go after what you want and believe you will get it.
Is your mindset helping or hindering you at this point in your life?
One of the most impactful practices we can adopt is that of journaling. Daily expression of our thoughts on paper can be cathartic in so many ways. It can reveal much about ourselves. And it can help us develop the habits we need to shift our mindset to one that serves us well and will continue to do so throughout our lives.
I invite you to take a look at my “Habits and Mindset Journal”.
Is this a tool that will help you shift your thinking to a mindset that will continue to improve your life? I encourage you to look it over and make the best decision for you.
Here’s to the peace and joy of your new and improved mindset!
by Vicki Peel | Aug 6, 2023 | Lifestyle |
In only ten minutes, you can create a morning routine that will put you in the right mindset to conquer your day. Jumpstart your day with these simple routines to prepare your mind.
As your feet hit the floor every morning, say to yourself “It’s gonna be a great day!” I have this phrase on my bedside table to remind me that if you start your day in a positive mindset, it propels you through the day in a positive manner.
Minute 1 – Drink the Water
Start keeping a large glass of water beside your bed. Before you even get out of bed, drink the water. Your body is dehydrated after a long night of repairing itself, and you need to replenish that. Drinking water will also help reduce the morning fog and grog that follows so many into their workday despite multiple cups of coffee.
Minutes 2-3 – Do the Breathing
Now that your body is rehydrating take a few minutes to do simple breathing exercises. This is as easy as timing your breaths to take six to ten deep breaths through one minute. Timing your breaths will force you to focus on your breathing and your body. Helping you to wake up and calm yourself for your day.
Minutes 3-6 – Stretch the Body
Gentle stretching will get your blood flowing and your body energized. This will also help to ease you into the process of getting ready and the day ahead. Stretching has long-term health benefits as well including better circulation and flexibility overall.
Minutes 6-9 – Give Thanks
Take a few moments to reflect on what you are thankful for. You don’t have to write these down or keep a record on your phone. Just take a few moments to single in on aspects of your life you are thankful for and why. This will put a positive spin on your day and keep you present through the difficult moments.
Minute 10 – Visualize the Success
Visualizing the successes you wish to have through the day will cement them in your mind and boost your confidence level. They don’t have to be big successes. Just see yourself completing daily tasks with ease to secure the outcome you desire.
You may not have hours to devote to morning routines, but you can spare ten minutes of your morning to starting off on the right foot (or mindset). Your personal morning mindset may take even less than ten minutes, but the benefits can last all day. Consistently devoting your time to these few minutes can change your life – for the better.
Need more help with setting your mind on your personal success journey?
Check out my “Habits and Mindset Journal”. It’s a great way to set your life course and it’s easier than you think.
Check it out HERE. Then let me know how you benefitted.
Here’s to the peace and joy of your new morning mindset!
by Vicki Peel | Aug 3, 2023 | Food |
Remember the GEICO commercial that it was “so easy a caveman could do it”? How about “so easy a husband could do it”?
All kidding aside, my husband started learning to cook when I had my knee replacement surgeries. And I am still amazed at how far he’s come and how interested he is in trying new things!
In this video, he demonstrates how to cook chicken wings in the air fryer and roasted potatoes in the oven. I’m also impressed with his video presentation skills!
Take a look!
Do you have an air fryer? Do you use it often? If you don’t have an air fryer, but are interested in purchasing one, download this free Air Fryers Buying Guide. I did all the research for you and highlighted the top 5 air fryers recommended by 4 sources: Women’s Health, Food Network Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, and C-NET Home.
Go ahead and download the Air Fryers Buying Guide HERE!
And leave your comments below! I’d love to hear from you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our March – June foods extravaganza!!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Aug 3, 2023 | Food |
Air fryers – they appear to be the hottest kitchen appliance on the market!
They are basically convection ovens on steroids. The formula? High heat + circulating air = crispy food.
The variety of air fryers on the market is overwhelming. And the prices vary from about $40 to $300 or more. And do you even need one?
While air frying is certainly a healthier option than frying in oil, it cannot make frozen fried foods steeped in processing and chemicals a healthy choice. So, a little label reading will help determine which frozen foods are actually healthy choices. But air frying can make vegetables crisper and tastier for kids (and adults) who hate veggies.
If you have an air fryer, or intend to purchase one, here are some “dos and don’ts”.
DO:
- Preheat your air fryer unless the recipe specifically says not to.
- Grease/spray oil on the air fryer basket to keep food from sticking, but DON’T spray with aerosol spray cans (like Pam), which contain harsh ingredients that may mess up the coating on baskets.*
- Use oil on food to crisp it, unless it already has some fat on it like chicken.
- Shake or turn food during cooking.
- Spritz food with oil halfway during cooking for crispier foods.
DON’T:
- Use loose aluminum foil, will fly around the basket from the air circulation. If you do use foil, make sure the food is heavy enough to keep it in place.
- Use shredded cheese, which will also fly around the air fryer and get stuck on the bottom of the fryer and not on the food.
- Set it and forget it – stopping and flipping or tossing food makes it cook more evenly.
- Crowd food. Food needs room for air to circulate.
- Use loose seasoning. Dry rubs end up like shredded cheese – all over the basket instead of the food. However, food that has been covered with oil that allows it to adhere to food is fine.
Do you have an air fryer? Do you use it regularly? What do you like about air frying? What are your concerns? I know – I’m just full of questions today! Please comment in the Comments section below or reply to any email I send to share your thoughts.
Want to know more before purchasing an air fryer? Or have your needs for an air fryer changed?
Click on my FREE 2023 Air Fryer Buying Guide for information on the best air fryers on the market to date.
* Here is a good option for spritzing oil on your food. I have one like this. And this option gives you two bottles for about the price of one in other options! Click HERE for purchasing information.
My emails (blog posts) sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our March – June foods extravaganza!!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | May 1, 2023 | Home |
That was just for fun! And here are the answers! How did you do?
Now, what can we glean from this little quiz?
- There are no hard, fast decorating rules. Do what you like!
- Create and name your own decorating style. It’s got to be as good as Barbiecore or Frogcore, right??
- We’re BACK!! Grandma and Grandpa have returned, triumphantly!! Embrace it!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Apr 9, 2023 | Organize |
It’s true. I have been ahead of the HGTV curve for years. And today I’m going to show you the evidence to prove it.
Click on the image below to see my Trending Top 10 HGTV and H.E.R. kitchen storage and organization hacks. In this vlog post, HGTV kitchen hacks are shown on the left side of the slide and my kitchen hacks (H.E.R.) are on the right side.
Be sure to subscribe to my channel before you leave!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Mar 1, 2023 | Food |
Welcome to March, which is National Nutrition Month. This is a good time to learn more about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme, “Fuel for the Future”, highlights the importance of eating with sustainability in mind.
So what does eating with sustainability mean? It means consuming food with a low environmental impact, helping reduce gas emissions, pollution, and chronic diseases in humans. And that means eating more organic fruits and vegetables. (I wish I loved vegetables!!)
Why eat with sustainability?
Eating with sustainability in mind is not only good for the environment, but it is also a great way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life. Here are some reasons why:
1.It’s better for the planet
The food choices we make have a significant impact on the environment. By choosing sustainably produced food, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the planet. Eating a plant-based diet, for example, is a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources.
2. It’s good for our health
Choosing nutrient-dense, whole foods that are sustainably produced is good for our health. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that help keep our bodies healthy and strong. They are also typically lower in calories and higher in fiber, which can help us maintain a healthy weight.
3. It supports local farmers
Choosing locally sourced food is a great way to support local farmers and small businesses. It also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution.
4. It can save us money
Eating sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, choosing whole foods and plant-based meals can often be more affordable than buying processed or packaged foods. By choosing seasonal produce and buying in bulk, we can save money while reducing waste.
Although, some foods, such as organic fruits and vegetables and grass-fed meats may cost more initially. But careful planning and better use of leftovers can even out the cost.
Tips to eat with sustainability
So, what are some ways we can eat with sustainability in mind? Although there is some overlap between why we should eat sustainability and how to do that, here are some tips:
1.Choose plant-based meals
Eating a plant-based diet is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact. This means incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds into your meals.
2. Buy local and seasonal produce
Choosing locally sourced and seasonal produce is a great way to support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint. It also means you’re getting the freshest, most nutrient-dense produce available.
If you’re not sure where to find locally sourced food, the U.S. Department of Agriculture can help you find that information. Just click on the link or click here.
Here are two more sources to find good locally sourced food in your area:
The Local Harvest website has search capabilities to insert your city and state for these options:
3. Choose sustainably produced meat and dairy
If you choose to eat meat and dairy, look for products that are sustainably produced. This means choosing products from animals that are raised in humane conditions, with minimal environmental impact. Search for Meat Processors in your area at Local Harvest.
4. Reduce food waste
Reducing food waste is another important way to eat with sustainability in mind. This means planning your meals, using up leftovers, and composting food scraps.
In conclusion, eating with sustainability in mind is an important way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment. By choosing plant-based meals, buying local and seasonal produce, choosing sustainably produced meat and dairy, and reducing food waste, we can make a difference in our health and the health of the planet.
Is it easy to change how we eat? No. But we don’t have to change everything. Simply making small changes will help. We can cut back on meat consumption, add another vegetable to the menu, and plan to use leftovers in appetizing ways.
Happy National Nutrition Month! What one thing can you do to implement any of these suggestions?
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Jan 5, 2023 | Home, Lifestyle |
Does your home evoke “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being”?
In other words, is your home a haven from the chaos of the world, a place that nourishes your soul and uplifts your spirit?
If so, your home has hygge!
What is Hygge?
And your first response may be “what the heck is hygge”? (It’s pronounced “Hoo-gah”, by the way. I know – how can something spelled like that be pronounced “Hoo-gah”!?)
“Hygge… is a Scandinavian way of life that celebrates coziness, shared meals, and companionable interactions with loved ones. Emphasizing warmth, kinship, and an appreciation for the little things, hygge is a perspective on life that started in Denmark and has contributed to the nation’s consistently high happiness ratings. Now, Americans are turning to hygge as a way to find happiness from within.” ~ Brinton Parker, (December 10, 2019),11 Ways to embrace the hygge lifestyle this season. PopSugar
Hygge is a great way to embrace self-care that extends to all family members. Think about all the things you love about your home and the things you like to do there that provide that much-needed extra layer of comfort.
How to Get Hygge
While there many ways to create hygge in your home, here are a few ways my home has hygge, supporting and comforting me:
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- Time alone in the comfy leather chair in my office for journaling my thoughts and renewing myself spiritually
- Sipping on a warm cup of cocoa with mini-marshmallows
- Decorating my home with items of personal family memories (I’ll show you around sometime and point out all the “old things” that are so special to me!)
- Watching HGTV – any shows on HGTV (personally, I love Ben and Erin on Home Town, among many others!)
- Putting on an eye mask and listening to soothing music as I take a short afternoon nap
- Curling up (OK – I mean metaphorically curling; it has been a long time since my knees allowed me to actually curl up!) with my iPad to play Candy Crush, Soda Crush, Spades and Castle. (I’m ashamed to tell you how high I’ve gotten on Candy Crush. I am working to curb my “addiction”.) And I love playing Sudoku and Kakuro. There is just something satisfying about being able to solve one of these puzzles.
Now, how about you? What makes your house hygge, even if you don’t call it that? How is your house a haven from the outside world. Comment or email me at vicki@herlifehacks.com and let me know one or two things on your hygge list
Want to know more about hygge? Here are links to a couple of resources about hygge.
Coloring books are very comforting activities on the hygge list of a lot of people. Check out this hygge coloring book:
Think about your home and hygge. Is it hygge in its current condition? What could you do to make it more calming and comforting?
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Dec 8, 2022 | Preserve |
When we think of legacies, our first inclination is to think about what we leave behind for future generations when we die.
But a legacy is not about death. It is about life. It’s about how you are living your life right now.
Most of us would prefer not to think too much about creating a legacy. Why? Because thinking about creating a legacy makes us think about death, and that is too dark a concept to consider right now. After all, we’ll have time to think about that later. Right? Maybe, maybe not.
“Don’t be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life. You don’t have to live forever; you just have to live.” ~ Natalie Babbitt
What is a Legacy?
Whether you think about creating a legacy or not, you’re doing it anyway. You create a legacy by simply living your life. Everything you do or did is creating your legacy. So, the question becomes – are you living your life with intention so you will be remembered the way you want to be remembered?
“Legacy. What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” ~ Lin Manual Miranda
Most of us think about a legacy as something passed on to the next generation after our death. And we may even think that legacies are built and transferred by people who have a great deal of money or influence. Great people in history may come to mind. And if that is how you think of a legacy, you’d be wrong.
We don’t have to do spectacular things or have great wealth to leave an important legacy.
A legacy can be built by simply living a life of kindness. Just showing kindness to people we love and people we meet can have rippling effects that we may not even be aware of.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” ~ Maya Angelou
A legacy is built day by day in the little things we do and say that define who we are. A legacy is about memories – sharing memories of what you know about your parents and grandparents and the memories they passed down to you. A legacy is about creating memories with your family in the present so your children and grandchildren will know about you and previous generations, how you lived and what you lived for.
It may also include possessions, which don’t need to be possessions of great monetary value. Their value comes from the meaning they have in your life and what has been passed on to you by previous generations. It is about connections. Connections about where you came from that help to define who you are.
Why is a legacy important?
Simply put, people need to know that life matters. That they matter. That you matter.
Legacies are about hope. Hope that the future for your children and grandchildren will be even better than today. That is especially important today – right now. The world has experienced monumental change. In just the period of a few years, we have seen changes we never dreamed we would experience as the result of a global pandemic. Even the word pandemic wasn’t on our radar before we were in the midst of it. These experiences alone make us think about the fragility of life, it’s meaning, and what the future might look like.
Preserving family histories is valuable. Learning about who came before you and what they were like and what they experienced helps you know who you are. Understanding how previous generations sacrificed and paved the way for the next generation provides a sense of security.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
How do you build a legacy?
The short answer is to live every day with intention, doing the things that matter the most to you and realizing that how you live is a model for the next generation.
People have a need to know where they came from and what that means to them. And while there are many things you can do to create your own legacy, the focus for this article is learning about the legacies of previous generations and preserving family histories.
How do you do that? How do you learn about and preserve family histories? You ask questions.
My daughter gave my mother a lasting gift one Mother’s Day – a journal to record the details of her life. And thanks to my niece, she did just that. My niece asked my mother every one of the questions in the journal and recorded her answers. When my mother passed away, I copied every page of that journal to give to my sisters so we each had a copy to keep and treasure.
My daughter also gave that same journal to my mother-in-law, her paternal grandmother. And my husband planned to ask his mother the questions and record her responses. However, she passed away before he got around to it, and he regrets missing that opportunity to know his mother a little better.
Even though I have treasured memories of my parents and grandparents, I also regret not having asked probing questions about their what their lives were like growing up. What was it like growing up through the Great Depression of the 1920’s? What were their homes like as a child? What do they remember about their parents and grandparents? And so many more questions that I will never know the answers to.
I realize that youth is not the time to ask questions about the past. Youth is a time for present reality and future dreams. The process of aging creates time for reflection and remembering and wanting to know more about past generations.
And that is why I created “My Life, My Legacy” – a journal of questions for anyone who recognizes the value of passing on their personal history before passing on. It may be something you want to complete for your children and grandchildren, who may not recognize the value of preserving oral histories of their family until it is too late for them to ask the questions. Or there may be a family member whose memories about their life you want to record.
Just take a look at My Life, My Legacy Journal- Teal
Or My Life, My Legacy Journal – Leather.
Tell your story now – the way you want it told.
(Contact me for a coupon code.)
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our October through December focus on HOME STYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
