Another Memory Snapshot or Mining Your Memories Chart Journaling Exercise or Prompt

Here is another fun way to capture your memories on the page: 

1 Make a list of 5 columns at the top of the page. Label the columns:

* Year

* Object

* Person

* Place

* Favorite

2 Then, do a list of 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25--where you list that number of each in that column. So, for instance, 5 different years in your life. Each time you list creates a square. So, we would have a chart of 25 or 125 different squares when we are finished--depending on how many you listed under each column. 

3 This chart now gives you endless prompts to use to mine for your memories in your mind and remembrance. Use one of the squares and do a Stream of Consciousness journaling where you write whatever comes to mind, and as fast as you can, and without stopping for ten minutes. Then, do 2. Then, do 3. Then, do 4. Then, do 5. Or, mix it up and do 1, 5, 4, 2, 3--for example. 

For example, if I decide to do 3, I could do this: 1980, Mom, Home. I, then, am to write about a memory about all three squares from my chart. 

This will give you endless possibilities. 

I also recommend doing a new chart at least once a month so this exercise doesn't get too boring. 

You can also do the chart per your age. Let's say I was 40. I could write 40 items in each column and create 200 squares. 

This is an exercise or prompt to really have fun with. You never know what might come to mind. 

~ Stacy Duplease

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online)