That’s a Perfectly Good Memory—Why Aren’t You Using It?

By FamilySearch
Blow the Dust off Your Memory Box
Inside everyone’s mind is a box of memories. The older we get, the more that stash of memories grows, and just as a rare old coin increases in value, so does the knowledge in that box of memories. Like most people, you probably rarely think about the value of your own memories, but perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at what you know and why your memory box could be more like a treasure box to the rising generation.
A Notion about Emotion
In his 2016 RootsTech address, Steve Rockwood (FS., CEO) described the feelings people experience when they hear and share family stories. These feelings include love, joy, peace, happiness, sadness (when remembering loss), inspiration, connectedness, belonging, indebtedness, admiration, remembrance, and desire.
(Click "ReadMore.)
Blow the Dust off Your Memory Box
Inside everyone’s mind is a box of memories. The older we get, the more that stash of memories grows, and just as a rare old coin increases in value, so does the knowledge in that box of memories. Like most people, you probably rarely think about the value of your own memories, but perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at what you know and why your memory box could be more like a treasure box to the rising generation.
A Notion about Emotion
In his 2016 RootsTech address, Steve Rockwood (FS., CEO) described the feelings people experience when they hear and share family stories. These feelings include love, joy, peace, happiness, sadness (when remembering loss), inspiration, connectedness, belonging, indebtedness, admiration, remembrance, and desire.
(Click "ReadMore.)

Powerful emotions and inspiring lessons are to be found in our memories—even in memories of family situations that have been less than ideal. Talking about the past and the experiences of our ancestors helps us feel connected to them and can nurture feelings of love and appreciation for the part they played in our family and in shaping who we are. Today’s youth desperately need to feel emotionally connected. Knowing their heritage provides them with stabilizing power that can anchor them. When you share your own memories and the stories you’ve been told about the family, you’re helping young people stay grounded.
Open the Box
If your memory box is collecting dust in the back of your mind, it’s time to start pulling those memories out and putting them to use. You’ll be surprised to discover what they can do for the rising generation and how many nifty (and easy) ways there are to share them.
Here are a few Ideas to Get You Started
If your memory box is collecting dust in the back of your mind, it’s time to start pulling those memories out and putting them to use. You’ll be surprised to discover what they can do for the rising generation and how many nifty (and easy) ways there are to share them.
Here are a few Ideas to Get You Started
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Effectively Use the Contents of Your Memory Box
In an example of what she might say to a grandchild, Sister Wixom showed how easy it can be to start sharing bits of information, “Katie, look how you are finding humor in spite of your trials. You’re just like your grandma Nancy.”
Do you have an ancestor who had a knack for staying optimistic while facing challenges or one who became very successful despite humble beginnings? Sister Wixom spoke of the strengthening power found in family stories. She identified this power as the fruit of the family tree that, when shared, can nourish and strengthen all family members, but she emphasized the benefit for the younger generation. She posed key questions, including the following:
Do you have an ancestor who had a knack for staying optimistic while facing challenges or one who became very successful despite humble beginnings? Sister Wixom spoke of the strengthening power found in family stories. She identified this power as the fruit of the family tree that, when shared, can nourish and strengthen all family members, but she emphasized the benefit for the younger generation. She posed key questions, including the following:
- Might a story of an ancestor’s decision to step away from tobacco inspire a grandchild to step away from the addictive draw of video games?
- Would knowing how a grandmother dealt with symptoms of depression help a young mother today with the same symptoms?