Family Book Activity: Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks

 

In his book Storyworthy, Matthew Dicks shares a practice he calls “Homework for Life.” Every day, he takes a few minutes to write down the single most storyworthy moment from his day — a daily highlight. It doesn’t have to be dramatic or life-changing; sometimes it’s as simple as a funny conversation, a kind gesture, or a quiet moment of gratitude.

Why does this matter? Because our days slip by quickly. We often think we’ll remember the little things, but time has a way of erasing details. By writing down just one highlight each day, we not only create a habit of noticing the meaningful moments in our lives, but we also build a personal record — a collection of stories that reflect who we are, what we value, and how we’ve grown.

This practice matters for family history, too. Years from now, your children and grandchildren won’t just want to know the big milestones — where you lived, when you married, what jobs you had. They’ll want to know what made you laugh, how you overcame challenges, and what filled your days with joy. Your daily highlights capture the texture of life: the ordinary moments that become extraordinary in hindsight.

And here’s the best part — it only takes five minutes. At the end of each day, ask yourself: What was the most storyworthy moment of today? Write it down in a notebook, your phone, or even a sticky note. Over time, these moments pile up, creating a treasury of memories you can return to and share.

Your story doesn’t have to wait for a special occasion to be recorded. It’s being written every single day. The simple act of noticing and writing down one highlight ensures that your story — and the small, beautiful moments that make it yours — will not be forgotten.

Activity: For one month, keep track of your daily highlights — the small but meaningful moments that stand out from each day.

Each evening, pause and ask yourself: What was the most storyworthy moment of my day? It could be something funny your child said, a challenge you overcame, a kind gesture from a stranger, or even a moment of stillness that meant a lot.

Write one or two sentences for that day. Don’t worry about being perfect — just capture the memory in your own words.

At the end of the month, look back and notice the collection of stories you’ve built. These everyday moments become a snapshot of your life that you can keep, share, or expand into longer stories later.