A new kind of brain teaser

Remember Sgt. Joe Friday of the TV show “Dragnet”? The stoic LAPD detective headlined the ’50s show in black and white, then again in the ’60s in color. He was one cool character. His classic line, “Just the facts, ma’am,” is still uttered today.

When I close my eyes, I can hear him say the words. I can picture my family gathered in our living room on Thursday nights to spend time with our favorite cop.

I love when these kinds of memories pop up, ones that take me back to happy times. Memories are important. So is keeping our brains active.

Recently I was surprised by something in the June 21 edition of Parade Magazine, in an article titled “Secrets to Living to 100” by Paula Spencer Scott. Item No. 8 was, “Stimulate Your Brain: You need to keep leveling up. Crosswords help only when you first start, because you learn most at the beginning. Then you have to move on to Sudoku or other puzzles (for better, brainstretching activities) to get cognitive benefits.” Scott is quoting Dr. Claudia Kawas.

This was unwelcome news, because I begin each day with a cup of coffee and the daily crossword. As a writer, I like starting my day by putting words in my head. I haven’t found other puzzles that appeal to me as much. Some totally frustrate me.

So, what to do to keep my brain from becoming a black hole? As I’ve written previously, having to stay home recently sent me into the dungeons of my closets, where I unearthed treasures of my past, and my family’s past, all of which triggered memories. I felt a compelling need to capture my history, my story.

Turning my personal history into the written word is easy for me, because that’s what I do — but I still needed to gather the information itself.

This is where my alter ego, “List-Maker Susan,” entered the scene and took over. I’m not done yet, but here’s what I’ve learned, in case you’d like to give it a try for your brain’s sake:

First, remember that this history is primarily for yourself. Don’t think about other people reading it. Just put words on paper, then figure out what you’ll do with it — if anything — later on.

Then, start with the easy stuff, just the facts. Make lists of whatever comes to mind. Write down where you lived, your schools, your jobs, maybe some great trips. These are simple details that will get you started. You can always add more, plus anecdotes, later if you choose.

Sketch out as much of your family tree as you know. A lot of people are really into geneaology now and have documentation already, so this may be a step you can skip.

Write down your earliest memory. For me it was my grandfather’s funeral when I was four. For years I wondered if he’d lost his legs, because I could only see his upper body in the casket.

From that memory I realized that I remember every funeral I’ve attended, because they have such emotional impact. These are the sorts of thoughts that may jump out at you while you’re writing lists or notes. If they do, add that reflection to your page.

Write down happy anecdotes about siblings, relatives and best friends. Describe how you met your spouse. Share the names of people who helped or mentored you, as a child, teen or adult. Note your children’s births, with or without the emotions involved. It’s up to you.

Share your happiest memory and maybe your saddest.

Remember this is your story. Tell it to yourself first. You can be as factual and also as reflective as you choose to be. You don’t have to put it into book form, so take that pressure off yourself. Just start by gathering information and let the memories get jarred loose along the way.

If you do choose to share your story, a convenient byproduct of such writing is that it can also help the person who writes your obituary and/or eulogy. But don’t think of this process as being morbid. It’s actually intended to let you see how much you’ve accomplished in life. We all forget how much we’ve actually done.

If you have some wisdom to pass along, this is a good place to put it, so that your descendants will know you better.

Or don’t. It’s your choice.

So, keep a notebook handy. Add to your lists as thoughts come to you. Take your time. Cherish the memories you uncover. And keep that brain sparking!