Philadelphia is the birthplace of our Constitution. A visit there is inspiring. One can see our monetary system in action, the Liberty Bell, and walk the halls of those who wrote and signed the Constitution.

But the museum that left the most lasting impression on me was an unassuming place called the Independence Living History Center. Inside the main part of the museum, artifacts unearthed at National Constitution were arranged on numerous tables for scientists to sift through. These artifacts represented small clues into the lives of everyday folks who lived during this great time in American history.

A guide explained why the archaeologists were so diligently sifting through these relics. He said that books are written about important people, like Benjamin Franklin or Thomas Jefferson, and not about ordinary people like us. So these scientists put the stories of these people back together from these artifacts.

History reconstructed from garbage?

Do you know where a lot of these artifacts were found? They were found in the colonists' version of the trash. I don't know about you, but I'm sure that I don't want my history to be reconstructed from trash.

The facts...

No one will probably write your history. It's up to you. Don't leave it up to some archaeologist to try to make heads and tails of the life you lived based on what you threw out.

You and I Have a Story Worth Telling

If you've lived a life, you've created a story. A worthwhile story. A story worth preserving. A story worth passing on.

Even with a story, the task of recording it frightens even the most dedicated writer. It's especially hard trying to do it on your own.

Be Brave

Put pen to paper.

You will receive ideas as you go.

Believe me - the story you tell will be much more interesting than the story conveyed by your garbage!

About the Author

As you begin writing your autobiography, make sure to receive assistance from Robert Brady's site on Writing an Autobiography and the characteristics of an autobiography.