Thanks for revisiting this series again, Chris. I can see how the segments have been so helpful to many. You give voice to a process by which one can look back and seek reflective perspective on how a life has been lived. And how that perspective can better guide us with respect to living today.
You've inspired me to explore autoethnology vis-à-vis my own paths. I've been expressing my experiences for many years through various forms of writing, some more formal, others ad hoc and in the moment. Yet, I still sought a means of revisiting very challenging periods... did I create anything that would have left some kind of memento of what I was experiencing?
A week or so ago, I was somehow compelled to clean out a bit of my inbox. I discovered a plethora of detailed and intense messages from five years ago between myself and my former partner, my teachers, my employers, and my mom. Coupled with all the myriad mundanities of coordinating daily life for one's kids, their school, carpools, and after school activities. I've only touched upon these messages, yet I know I now have a new well to turn to when I'm ready to further explore those days.
Thank you so much, Eric. You’re exactly right: we often have more personal data than we think. People sometimes say they don’t have material for autoethnography because they haven’t kept journals as I have. But emails, texts, even old calendars or other documents can be such rich portals. It’s all grist for the mill.
I’d love to talk more with you about this anytime. It’s always a gift to hear your reflections.
Thanks for revisiting this series again, Chris. I can see how the segments have been so helpful to many. You give voice to a process by which one can look back and seek reflective perspective on how a life has been lived. And how that perspective can better guide us with respect to living today.
You've inspired me to explore autoethnology vis-à-vis my own paths. I've been expressing my experiences for many years through various forms of writing, some more formal, others ad hoc and in the moment. Yet, I still sought a means of revisiting very challenging periods... did I create anything that would have left some kind of memento of what I was experiencing?
A week or so ago, I was somehow compelled to clean out a bit of my inbox. I discovered a plethora of detailed and intense messages from five years ago between myself and my former partner, my teachers, my employers, and my mom. Coupled with all the myriad mundanities of coordinating daily life for one's kids, their school, carpools, and after school activities. I've only touched upon these messages, yet I know I now have a new well to turn to when I'm ready to further explore those days.
Thank you so much, Eric. You’re exactly right: we often have more personal data than we think. People sometimes say they don’t have material for autoethnography because they haven’t kept journals as I have. But emails, texts, even old calendars or other documents can be such rich portals. It’s all grist for the mill.
I’d love to talk more with you about this anytime. It’s always a gift to hear your reflections.
Thank you Chris. I’m grateful for your generosity and would love to speak at some point.