How well do You know your Family History?

History is defined as the study of past events, particularly in human affairs; the whole series of past events connected with someone or something.

I have been thinking lately about history, especially with having to do with my family and my spouse’s family. My theme this year is roots; planting the seeds for the future, but also understanding the roots and trees that were before me.

When I think about the past or the history before my life, it is always interesting. You get to learn how the world was perceived from someone else’s point of view and understand what memories they have formed. These past few months had me slightly reliving my past memories, but also think of how the choices within my own family have shaped me and where I am currently.

I have been wanting to learn more about my parents and how they experienced life, my grandparents and understand more about myself and my cousins. I have also been wanting to learn about my spouse’s family and the nuances of their history. It also had me thinking how heredity items can be passed down through generations, but so can family attitudes, personalities, and curses. When I think about my trauma, I also think about that same trauma that has happened in the past. I also think about having a daughter and wondering how I can avoid this “curse” and be the last of it. It makes me think back to how I was raised, maybe some things I want to make important in my family moving forward, and how I can be the end to all of this.

So I have been doing research on my medical history, especially the rare disease my family caries, but I also have been doing some soul searching around myself. So I am not sure if these tips are helpful, but this is what I will be doing.

1. Really taking the time to review the medical history with my parents – I think it is important to understand, considering it can affect not only you but any children you may birth into the world. I like to be a bit prepared for most items in my life as much as I can control them. It helps my anxiety, so I will be asking quite a bit of questions but also going to doctors to understand more
2. Buying an ancestry kit and doing the test – I have really taken years to think about doing this, but since I have lost my paternal grandparents I thought it might be the best time. I wished I would have spent more time asking them questions, but this will hopefully give me more insight into my family
3. Reliving past memories and journaling – this is helping me do some soul searching and understanding my trauma intimately. It will also help me to understand what are some of the things I would like to do differently in the family I am forming with my spouse and to have a healthy discussion. I know it won’t be absolutely perfect, but having the communication and the understanding will make the things we do perfect for us and our family

I hope this helps you understand the importance of understanding history especially related to your family and/or trauma. I would suggest asking yourself and journaling about the following questions this week:

1. What are some of the things I know about my own history?
2. What are some things I want to know more about? Who can I ask or how can I get the information?
3. Are their familial curses that have been passed down?
4. How can this information help me and my family to move into a better space of mind and positivity?

Comment below to let me know what you think and/or how your journaling experience is.