"If I hear Mom or Dad tell that story one more time ! I'll just.........."
Familiar words?
Indeed, it was once thought that the tendency to reminisce or dwell on the past was unhealthy, perhaps even a sign of senility. Recently, there has been a growing recognition that reminiscing, also called "life review", is a normal and important part of growing older. The handing down of family history from one generation to another has always been an established part of every human culture.
Taking time to listen to another person "visit the past" gives the powerful, unspoken message that "Who you are, what you have done, and the things you care about "are very important". A listener says, often without words, "I believe in you. I accept you. I want to know your story." And, even more important, I receive what you offer as a wonderful gift. A gift that may be lost forever if it is not immediatly accepted.