WORDS TO LIVE BY:
One common theme in the memoirs I’ve worked on is a Words to Live By chapter. It could go anywhere, of course; but typically it’s the last chapter of the book — an effective way to leave your reader with positive and helpful thoughts.
Ah, but what to say in a Words to Live By chapter? Think about what you’d like to tell your grandchildren – even descendants you’ll never get to meet. What lessons did you learn the hard way? Advice you want to pass on, or your philosophy on life. Memorable words from the folks who guided you. Quotes from famous folks you especially love.
A Words to Live By chapter doesn’t have to be long; even a short-and-sweet list can be a fascinating way to end your memoir.
Like a few examples? Here are just a few of my favorite “Words to Live By” from the memoirs I’ve been privileged work on!
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Words of Encouragement:
* Tell yourself positive things you have accomplished, can accomplish, are accomplishing.
* Fall down nine times; get up ten.
* Perfection will never be attained by man. But errors and failures provide a means to reconsider what we thought we knew.
Words of Advice:
* Health is priority number one. You can do nothing without the best health possible; preserve it as long as possible.”
* Caution: Do not mix the finances of parents and children.
* Have clear short-term and long-range plans.
* In marriage, choose a person you can learn from.
* Try not to be judgmental about others’ behavior. Just try to understand, what was their intent or motivation? Forgive, if you cannot forget.
* Don’t worry so much about the values you are teaching your kids. Your kids aren’t going to listen to you, anyhow. Growing up, they’ve already internalized some of the things you feel are important. They know your values when they watch you.
Old Family Sayings & Famous Quotes:
* My feeling is that there is nothing in life but refraining from hurting others, and comforting those that are sad. — Olive Schreiner, South African author (1855-1920).
* I have always believed that God never gives a cross to bear larger than we can carry. . . . No matter what, God wants us to be happy. He doesn’t want us to be sad. Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn’t we? — Rose Kennedy.
* For every problem under the sun there is a reason, or there is none. If there is, try to find it; if there is none, never mind it. (Old saying).
* Only sincerity and honesty are required in dealing with new situations — use the best of your knowledge, to the best of your ability without fear of failure. Just be willing to embrace new understandings.
* Make yourself useful as well as beautiful.
What are your favorite Words To Live By?
