“Well I’m not a novelist. I’ve only written one book and that is a memoir.”

– Carly Fiorina

 

At some point, you may have thought about writing a memoir. But, chances are that you dismissed the idea before you gave it any real thought. Many people view memoirs as something reserved for celebrities, politicians or billionaires, not regular folk.

This post presents three potential benefits to writing a memoir, regardless of your socioeconomic status.

Although modern technology has made writing accessible for the masses, writing a memoir isn’t necessarily an easy process. However, with proper planning and assistance, it may well be worth the effort.

why should you write a memoir?

Enjoyment

The first reason is quite simple. Behind the seemingly arduous task of writing up your life lies enjoyment. Reliving memories can be tremendously gratifying and rewarding. Think about it like going through an old picture album.

Passing it on

You may think that your life up until this point has been average, nothing special. But, I invite you to delve a little deeper. You have been through so much in your life. You have seen life from a perspective that no other person on the planet ever has or will. You hold the link that connects the world of your parents’ generation to that of your children’s. Wouldn’t you want to share this treasure with your family and close ones?

Wisdom

The famous psychologist, Erik Erikson [1], proposed that human beings, throughout their lifetimes, go through psychosocial stages. The stage of Ego Integrity versus Despair, at approximately age 65+, is characterized with reflecting back on life. When you can look back at life and appreciate your accomplishments, you will feel productive. Successful completion of this stage, according to Erikson, leads to wisdom, which affords a sense of closure and completeness.

conclusion

The benefits of writing a memoir are quite convincing. Of course, there are parts of life that may not be fun to revisit. But, as the owner, it is up to you to decide what to focus on. Nevertheless, if you are open to the full range of experiences, it may not be easy, but it can be worth it.

What are your thoughts on writing a memoir? Please share in the comments below.

[1] https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html#intimacy