Lisa Louise Cooke on How Family Stories Shape Our Lives
If you don't know where you're coming from, it's really hard to know where you're going. I think if you don't know where you're coming from, it's really hard to know where you're going, and oftentimes we get snarled by what has happened in the past. I've found for myself personally that it demystifies some of that.
Imagine being an 8-year-old spending your allowance on death certificates. That’s exactly how Lisa Louise Cooke, author of *The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox*, started her journey into genealogy. In this episode of *Real Life Resilience*, Stacy Curtis chats with Lisa about the profound impact of family stories on personal growth. Lisa reveals how Google can act as 'cousin bait', unlocking hidden treasures from our family histories stored in attics and basements around the world.
Lisa shares practical tips on using Google for genealogy research and emphasizes the importance of blogging about family history. She believes that understanding where you come from can illuminate where you're headed, helping you navigate life's challenges. By picking values from your ancestors instead of solely relying on immediate family, you can take control of your life and move beyond victimhood. Lisa also discusses the emotional benefits of writing memoirs and offers tools to make the process easier.
Her insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in genealogy, personal growth, or simply understanding their roots better. Tune in to discover how uncovering your family’s past can help you build a brighter future.