Telling Your Story: Sharing the Journey That Made You Who You Are

For Fathers Day this year, my daughter gave me a book called  “Dad, I want to hear your story” This was an unexpected moment, when I realized that the stories of my life—the ones that shaped me, the ones that still make me smile, the ones I carry in your heart—are stories my family may not fully know. They might know pieces, little fragments gathered from conversations over the years, but do they truly know the journey that brought you to where I am today?

So this and the next few posts are about how you can share your personal history, which isn’t just about telling stories. It’s about connection. It’s about helping your children, grandchildren, and loved ones understand who you are, not just as a parent or grandparent, but as the person who lived through experiences they may never have imagined.

For many, the challenge isn’t having stories to tell—it’s knowing how to tell them.

Where do you start? How do you make your experiences feel as vivid to your family as they do to you? And perhaps the biggest question of all—will anyone really care?

The answer to that last question is a resounding yes. The world may feel fast-paced, and attention spans may seem shorter than ever, but deep down, people crave real, personal stories. Your family wants to know you. They want to hear about your triumphs, your struggles, the choices that shaped you, and the moments that made you laugh. They want to understand the history that lives within them, the legacy they are a part of.

So how do you begin?

Start with reflection. Take a quiet moment and think back—who were you as a child? What were the defining moments of your early years? Maybe it was the first time you earned money for something you built with your own hands. Maybe it was a teacher who believed in you when no one else did. Maybe it was moving to a new country, a new town, or a new school where you had to start fresh.

Think about the turning points—the moments when life sent you in a new direction. Were they planned, or did they surprise you? A job that led to an unexpected career path, a chance meeting that changed everything, a decision that seemed small at the time but turned out to be monumental.

And of course, think about the lessons—what have you learned about love, resilience, joy, and loss? What wisdom would you pass on, not as advice, but as stories that illustrate the truth of what life has taught you?

Once you begin reflecting, the next step is to find your voice.

Some people find it easiest to write things down. Others prefer to tell their stories out loud, perhaps recording them for future generations. And sometimes, the best way to share is in conversation—over dinner, during a walk, or sitting quietly with a loved one who wants to listen.

If writing feels overwhelming, start small. A letter to a grandchild. A short memory written in a journal. A few lines recorded in a voice memo on your phone.

And if you’re sharing your stories in person, don’t worry about making them perfect. The beauty of storytelling is that it’s alive—it grows, it changes, and it finds meaning in the moment. Speak as if you’re telling a dear friend. Be yourself.

You might wonder—what if my family doesn’t ask? What if no one seems interested?

The truth is, sometimes people don’t realize how much they want to hear a story until it’s being told. They may not know the questions to ask, or they may assume they already know your life’s highlights. But the moment you begin sharing, you’ll often see their eyes light up with curiosity.

Try starting with something unexpected. Instead of saying, “When I was young, things were different,” try, “Did I ever tell you about the time I almost got fired on my first day of work?” Or, “I’ll never forget the first time I rode a bicycle—it did not go well.”

A little intrigue, a little humor, a little drama—these are the ingredients of a great story. They make people lean in, eager to hear more.

And don’t be afraid to share the hard moments too. Your struggles, your missteps, and your resilience in the face of adversity are just as valuable as the happy memories. They show the depth of your experiences and the strength that carried you through.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your family is a deeper understanding of yourself. Not just as the person they know today, but as the child, the dreamer, the risk-taker, the hard worker, the survivor.

And as you share, something incredible happens—your family starts to see parts of themselves in you. They recognize the same determination, the same humor, the same curiosity. They realize that they are not just listening to a story—they are connected to it.

So start sharing. One memory at a time, one conversation at a time. Your stories are a gift, a legacy, and a bridge between generations. And trust me—your family wants to hear them.