Using genealogy research to uncover your family’s origins and document your family tree can be a deeply enriching and enlightening experience. In addition to preserving a tangible record for future generations, this process holds immense potential for fostering self-awareness and understanding the profound impact of our ancestry on our lives.Genealogy Research: Unearthing Your Family’s PastResearching your family history has been shown to offer a number of profound benefits, but to embark on a meaningful genealogy research journey, you need the right tools. Websites like Ancestry and MyHeritage offer vast databases, historical records, and collaborative platforms to help you trace your…
Author: klawrence
Have you ever wondered if ancestral trauma and the difficulties previous generations endured can impact future members of your lineage? Are reactions to things that happened long ago passed down to those born many years later? At first glance, it may seem that leaving the past in the past is a good way to get beyond ancestral trauma. But a growing body of evidence indicates that the ways in which our ancestors responded to distressing events can be passed down. The field of epigenetics is a groundbreaking area of study that helps us understand the intergenerational transfer of trauma.What Ancestral…
Genealogy research has benefits way beyond being an interesting past time for history buffs. Have you ever wondered why you or your relatives act or feel a certain way? Are you curious as to why some patterns repeat through the generations? And do you know the root causes of successes and failures within your family’s history? If any of those questions have crossed your mind, then genealogy research may be a lot more exciting than you think! Exploring and understanding your family’s genealogy can be an enlightening and transformative experience. Even if your family isn’t particularly close or is dealing…
Breaking down the taboo against finding humor in grief is a theme of British comedian Cariad Lloyd’s Griefcast. She started the popular podcast as a side project based on her personal experiences following her father’s death. The series snagged three prizes at the British Podcast Awards in 2018, including Podcast of the Year. She talks about her journey to find the funny in the most difficult circumstances in this article in the Evening Standard. After growing up in what she calls “an emotionally literate household,” the overwhelming response to her podcast made her realize that others didn’t have the same…
Epigenetics is the fascinating study of how genes can be switched on or off and how those changes influence traits and behaviors without modifying the underlying DNA sequence. This field examines how environmental factors, diet, and more can impact gene expression. It also delves into how these changes can be passed down through generations.How Epigenetic Changes OccurEpigenetic changes occur through the addition or removal of chemical modifications, such as methyl groups, to the DNA molecule or histone proteins. One can picture these modifications as tiny “tags” that can affect how easily a gene is accessed and used to produce proteins.…
Mourning the loss of difficult relatives has its challenges. Mixed emotions about a departed family member can make more traditional ways of honoring their memory seem unfitting or insincere. Adding a touch of humor can help! Humor humanizes the pain of loss with a softer touch, especially if that loved one was naturally sarcastic or quirky. We hope this compilation of funny obituaries offers a few chuckles and ideas of how laughter can be a great way to honor even the wackiest relative. This collection from loveliveson.com celebrates the quirks and funny habits that we remember about the people in…
Forensic genealogy transforms the fascinating pursuit of unraveling family history into a tool for solving crimes and mysteries. This captivating field merges DNA analysis with traditional genealogical research to shed light on unsolved cases and bring closure to families.Forensic Genealogy OriginsSo, how did forensic genealogy come to be? It all started with the advent of DNA profiling in the 1980s. While initially used for paternity testing and identifying suspects, scientists soon realized its potential in solving cold cases. With advancements in DNA technology, forensic genealogy took center stage, leveraging DNA databases and genealogical research to create investigative breakthroughs.What Is It…
What is genealogy psychotherapy and how is it used for personal development? Genealogy, or the study of family history and ancestry, can be used in psychotherapy. This method is aimed at helping individuals understand how their personal and family history may be impacting their current lives. This can be particularly useful in cases where an individual’s family history includes trauma, mental illness, or other significant events that may be contributing to their current psychological challenges.Connecting Family History with Current ExperiencesIn genealogy psychotherapy, the therapist works with the individual to explore their family tree and gather information about ancestors and events…
Mourning a difficult family member is complicated. When my mother died a few years ago our deeply troubled relationship took center stage in the grieving process. I have struggled with how her death should be discussed, if at all. The strangeness of the loss, the misunderstandings of the (dis)comforters that inevitably tell a story of their own grief, and the desire to say “but it’s a relief for both of us” have made me curious about how others handle the death of a difficult loved one. Comedic Relief for Grief And then it occurred to me that touchy relationships have…