How often do you think about your family history, your community history, your national history or world history? As we are going through this Coronavirus pandemic, I am being thoughtful of the years of historical documentation that could have/should have helped us deal with this differently – on a personal level as well as a societal level. I pray that many people will realize the impact history has on our current lives. I also pray people realize that everyone of us is creating history everyday. Future generations will read about our decisions and our actions and will use this information to make informed decisions about their welfare.
Many people have lived life day to day, without thinking about the past or the future. They are just living in the “here and now”. On a micro level, this might be advantageous at times. It may allow for decreased daily stress and anxiety. However, on a macro level, we might miss opportunities to learn, grow and evolve as a society. Being aware of history and making connections with current issues, can ultimately impact current and future generations in many ways.
Some people might be intimidated to try and tackle a big study of the epidemics the world has faced. That’s ok! Not everyone has a passion to study it. We can defer to the experts and listen to reliable sources about findings and advice. However, I’d like to encourage people to look at history on a more personal level. Family and community history can be very interesting, as well as educational. Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has ancestors that have been through good and bad – highs and lows. If we look at the past events of our families with an open mind, we can draw conclusions that will ultimately spare the current generations from some of the same trials of the past. We literally can help history stop repeating itself. Family systems often repeat generation to generation, but the more aware of our actions and the actions of those who came before us, the more progress we can make as a family. There is something to really think about when it comes to the saying, “why reinvent the wheel?” Why do it? Wouldn’t we rather spend our time moving forward, rather than stuck in neutral? So, I challenge everyone to get curious about their families and communities. Do some research and documentation. Connect the dots. Put the puzzle pieces together. You’ll be amazed what connections you find!
A few questions….
1. First, think about the indifference that some people have about the past and current epidemics/pandemics. How has that indifference changed the outcome of the epidemics? In what ways?
2. Who would be a reliable source in your family, whom you could interview to begin documenting your family history?
3. What kinds of questions would you ask your family members in an interview? Who would you pass the torch on to in order to keep the family history documented and the life lessons easily accessible?
Growing word by word,
Jackie
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