Table of Contents
Foreword 1
Introduction: Surveying the Landscape 4
Part 1 Laying the Foundation
Chapter 1 Preparing the Groundwork: Why Write Your Life Story? 14
Chapter 2 Creating the Blueprint: Ways People Tell Their Stories 18
Chapter 3 Laying the First Brick: Preparing To Write Your Life Story 24
Chapter 4 The Big Picture: Perceiving With All the Senses 41
Chapter 5 Self-Expression: Your Personal Style 48
Chapter 6 The Hero of Your Domain: Viewpoint And Perspective 52
Chapter 7 Shared Rooms: Interviewing Others Who Were Along for the Journey 59
Chapter 8 Secrets in the Cellar: Digging Up Old Memories 65
Chapter 9 Appraisals And Repairs: Healing Through Writing 76
Chapter 10 Bringing Down the House: Using Humor in Your Writing 81
Chapter 11 Scaffolding: Building the Story from the Inside Out 86
Chapter 12 Reaching Beyond Yourself: Multiple Perspectives 95
Part 2 Building the Walls
Chapter 13 Legacy Theme 1: Forks in the Road 103
Chapter 14 Legacy Theme 2: My Family, My Self 109
Chapter 15 Legacy Theme 3: The Meaning of Wealth 114
Chapter 16 Legacy Theme 4: My Life's Work 118
Chapter 17 Legacy Theme 5: Self-Image And Well-Being 122
Chapter 18 Legacy Theme 6: The Male-Female Equation 126
Chapter 19 Legacy Theme 7: The End of Life 130
Chapter 20 Legacy Theme 8: From Secular to Spiritual 134
Chapter 21 Legacy Theme 9: My Life Goals 139
Chapter 22 Legacy Theme 10: My Legacy Letter 144
Chapter 23 Adding Rooms: 25 Additional Legacy Themes 149
Part 3 Trim Work
Chapter 24 Adding The Finishing Touches 192
Chapter 25 Street Appeal: Deciding on a Final Presentation Format 208
Conclusion: Preparing Your Open House: Uncorking the Champagne 219
Resources 221
Index 242