Eulogies that Tell Your Stories
Author, Susan Cain (pictured), is keen for people to write their life story and her ideas have relevance to the writing and giving of a eulogy.
In speaking of your life story, she says:
“I don’t mean where you grew up, got your first job etc. I mean what’s your STORY? What narrative have you constructed from the events of your life?”
Those biographical details are like the bones to our body or the hangers for our clothes. What is livelier and more interesting are the stories which have flesh and colour.
Susan says that these stories are “the key to our well-being and the maps we use to find our way through life.” These are the stories which are about interpreting the events of our life, finding meaning and gaining insight as to what has happened.
She says, if we’re having trouble putting together an honest and enlightening story, here are three things to ask ourselves:
Can you think of a time in your life when you felt strong and happy? If you had a difficult childhood or other challenges that prevent you from identifying this starting place, try thinking of the time when you were still cradled in the womb.
What was the challenge, or series of challenges, that may have come along to threaten your strength and peace?
Can you find meaning in these challenges? You don’t need a classic happy ending, in order to find meaning. And don’t worry if you’re not there yet. Perhaps part of your story is that you’re still engaged in a brave and valiant search.
Geoff Pound
Image: Susan Cain
Idea Source: Susan Cain, ‘How Do You Tell Your Own Life Story,’ The Kindred Letters, 27 April 2023.