James R. Hagerty: Telling the stories of our lives

Telling the stories of long, healthy and productive lives is what we do here.  We share insights into how people conduct themselves - the habits, hacks, lessons and learning curves that evolve over time.  We hear about relationships, athletic adventures and career achievements - the highs and the lows of a life well-lived.One day, hopefully in the distant future, it will be obituary-time. A few paragraphs politely mentioning some of our milestones along with funeral arrangements and options for flowers.  But before it comes to that, have you ever thought about telling your own story?  James R. Hagerty writes obituaries for The Wall Street Journal, but his new book focusses on the living. In Yours Truly: An Obituary Writer's Guide to Telling Your Story, James shares his skills and insight into how to record the pivotal moments of our lives.  He also explains how the process could prove life-enhancing or enlightening and a valuable resource for our loved-ones. In this interview we cover:The value of having a life story preserved.The difference between an obituary and telling your own storyJames' story as a career obituary writer and journalistBut I'm not famous or infamous - do I have a story to tell?How open do I need to be about every high and low in my life? When discretion is the better part of valorSaving stories - from letter-writing to social media postsIs the process therapeutic? How do others benefit from you writing your story?The skill of asking questionsRealizing how little we know about each others' livesEnjoying a long life and career and staying engagedDISCOUNTS▸ DoNotAge is offering listeners to LLAMA a 10% discount on its range of products, including NAD boosters. Use the use code LLAMA for purchases at DoNotAge.orgHealth queries can be answered by emailing: [email protected]▸ Recharge Health is offering LLAMA listeners a $30.00 discount on the purchase of FlexBeam, for red light therapy, which may help your body heal and promote  the health of skin and muscle tissue .  Use the code LLAMA at checkout. ▸ Time-line is offering LLAMA podcast listeners a 5% discount on its Mitopure products - Mitopure Powder, Softgels and Mitopure + Protein. Mitopure supports improvements in mitochondrial function and muscle strength. Use the code LLAMA at checkoutPartiQlar supplementsEnhance your wellness journey with PartiQlar supplements. No magic formulas, just pure single ingredients, like NMN, L-Glutathione, Spermidine, Resveratrol, TMG and Quercetin. Get a 15% discount with the code MASTERAGING15 at PartiQlarSupport the showThe Live Long podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice.  If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.