In all of us, there are big moments in our lives, that shape who we are, who we have become, and why we do what we do. One of the biggest parts of this is where did we come from, who taught us, and why do we do the things we do.
Family, friends, hopes, dreams, accomplishments, pleasures, talents, and values all go towards creating the little details that form the big events. However, how well do we know what it was that made our family and friends who they are. Some people we have the privilege of knowing all our lives, and others leave before we really got to know them.
We want to encourage you to talk with them and find out, what made them who they are, what was life like when they were younger, what led them to where they are now, what they have learnt and what achieved. Far too often, you learn things about people, when they are no longer around. We want you to have the conversation of a lifetime, now, and find out all the things you did not know.
You can have a conversation of a lifetime with anyone you hold dear. A parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, or long-time friend. The conversation can be over a cuppa, a meal, a walk, a journey or whilst playing a game. It can be with one person or with a small group. There is no right time or wrong time to have the conversation, it is just that you have it.
Family holidays, and other events such as Christmas and Easter can be a perfect time, when different generations are all together, and may have extra time on their hands, but time should not be a boundary, you can always come back to it. You are learning a story, that may have many chapters, and it is alright to do that over time.
The most important thing is that you have the conversation, the most difficult thing might be how do you start. Sometimes conversations can begin by asking a simple question, about a person, an event, or a time in the other person’s life. Start with the simple beginning of “I’d like to learn more” or “Can you tell me about when” or “What was it like.” Make sure that you give the person you are asking the attention their story deserves. Remove distractions if possible and make sure you are both comfortable.
A good conversation can extend for quite some time, sometimes without you noticing. So, make sure you either have the time to listen, or feel confident to pause and ask to come back to it. Whichever way you start, be sure to listen, ask questions, be interested, and share your own experiences if appropriate.
Remember the best bit about the story is sharing it. We know that not everyone has that question ready that they want to ask, and some need a quick guide of where to begin.
We have compiled a brief list of “starter questions” that you might like to use. This is not exhaustive, nor do you have to ask the question as it is written, it is here to guide and trigger the flow of the conversation.
- How did you meet your spouse or partner?
- As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? And why?
- What is something very few people know about you?
- What made you laugh so hard you cried?
- What does your perfect day look like?
- What was your favourite subject in school and why?
- What is the scariest thing that has ever happened to you?
- Who has been the most influential person in your life?
- What was your first job? Why did you choose your profession?
- What is your most cherished childhood memory?
- Did you have a favourite bedtime story as a child? Who read it to you?
- Tell me about a time you got into trouble as a child?
- Describe the most adventurous thing you have ever done.
- What is your treasured memory of your grandparents or another family member from your childhood?
- Who was your best friend at school? What was it about them you liked so much?
- What major event in your life had the biggest impact on you?
- Tell me a time when you were really scared, what did you do to get through it?
- What hobby or activity would always distract you when you were younger?
- Tell me about something you do every year because it makes you happy?
- Where is the most beautiful place you have travelled to? And why?
- What is the best, worst, or most thoughtful gift you have ever received?
There is a story in all of us to tell, and we hope that you enjoy
hearing others and telling your own.
Our aim of this brief guide is to encourage people to pause, ask, and listen. In life things move so quickly we can miss the things around us that make us, our family, and our friends who we are.
We hope that you enjoy listening to the stories and can tell some of you own. Long, short, funny, or sad, use the time to learn about the people you love and care for, and remember to smile.
