"Glowing Rouge"

Time was that only “famous” people had biographies or autobiographies written. Today I sometimes think that too many people are writing autobiographies, tell-all stories, exposés . . . celebs, politicos, generals, mistresses, ex-wives. But, maybe, it’s not that there are too many stories, but that there aren’t enough!!!

The thing is – these self-proclaimed persons of interest have ghost writers, publishers, and publicists; we don’t. But, we common folk now have the internet and the ability to self-publish. Granted, we probably won’t see the financial returns that the aforementioned will reap – but we do have a platform.

My great grandfather kept a journal, making entries every day for decades until, on the day of his death, my grandmother made the final entry. Journals and diaries have been vital sources of historical and genealogical information. I believe in journaling. And, for my grandson’s generation and beyond – the blogs and profiles and self-published documents in this electronic library will compete with, though not replace, the vital records of generations before.

So, if I were to write my autobiography, what would I say? Who would be listed in the “credits”? What thread ties the episodes together? What’s the story – the hook? Why and how does my life matter to anyone else? Although these are questions that, obviously, must be answered, these are the daunting issues that hold us back from recording our lives, our introspections.

If I were to write my story, what would define my life?

• I’d have to start with my parents – although my family was slightly dysfunctional, my parents loved me unconditionally.
• I recall a half-dozen teachers through my formative years (kindergarten through high school) who made their mark – they were all devoted to their profession and their students, motivating and facilitating learning through their own love/appreciation of learning.
• My friends and loves – noteworthy by their quality, certainly not quantity. I was never in the “in” crowd. That probably made our friendships that much dearer.
• The Christian (interfaith) community that grounded me in the 60’s and led me on a spiritual journey, a quest for understanding and awareness that is still a guiding force.
• My detractors, though I don’t perceive many, the few had significant impact.
• A few shining moments, accomplishments, milestones - and set-backs.
• The thread that ties my myriad ventures, adventures, and misadventures is found in the interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, it is also about doing what my parents asked of me – that I do my best.

We all have a story (or several stories) – are you recording yours? We owe it to ourselves, our children and the generations-to-follow to record them somehow. Without OUR stories, history will be defined by the former Governor of Alaska, the former Ms. California, and media jocks from the fringes. . .

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Nelson Mandela, Inaugural Speech 1994