By Joanne Hill
1. Review your photo albums: Ask yourself...who are the people and their names? What are their relationships to you and each other? What was happening at the time of the photo? Why were you there?
2. Take a mental photo: Go back in time and picture the photo you wish you had taken! Describe the details of the setting, clothing, people. What was happening at that time?
3. Prepare lists of your family members: Identify their names/birthdays/residences/marriage dates/children/
schools/careers, special events/circumstances of death.
4. Look at photos and paintings of the time you want to remember: Study books and magazines, visit vintage clothing shops, see old movies, browse at flea markets.
5. Make lists about your own life: Serious and frivolous items from your past: your favorite foods, dances, movies/hit songs, relatives etc. (See attached topics)
6. Talk about the past with people who were there: Try to stick to the facts to confirm or clarify your memories.
7. Write "time capsule" descriptions of yourself or others at different points in time...at age 20, 40, 60...what are the noticeable differences in your appearance, personality or circumstances?
8. Do "visualization" exercises: Create pictures in your mind's eye of your ancestors, places you lived, or important experiences. Replay the action.
9. Write letters to ancestors or living relatives: Share your thoughts and feelings and ask questions. Then respond to the letter as if you were that person trying to use their point of view.
10. Keep a daily journal that recollects different moments of your past.
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