Our Stories/Our Lives
Welcome to the first week of Our Stories/Our Lives. This online course has been designed to support your creative expression of life stories. The course is self-paced. You may work as rapidly or slowly as your time, health, and interest dictate. You may choose to work independently and/or periodically join others to communicate life stories verbally and non-verbally by writing and/or by sharing life stories focusing on your life, someone you know, or a topic of your choice.
There's a lot of information in my online course. Many of you are returning students. Others are BRAND NEW. Welcome to ALL!
I’ll be going over the course and the class website during the first week. Some of you want to know every detail; others only want to know the date, time, topic, & link to Zoom.
Getting Started
Send me an email (address below) to let me know if you have any problems getting started. Changes made to the weekly schedule will be added to the Calendar.
Click Syllabus.
Click Calendar.
Click Getting Started.
Use the first couple weeks to get registered, review the course syllabus, and get familiar with the online format of the class website. You can review weekly emails online.
After getting started, you are encouraged to share your progress and challenges with your stories and experiences - both the good & the bad – with the class via Zoom or by email based on your interests and needs.
Where to Access Zoom
Zoom's Link, Phone Numbers, Meeting ID, & Password will be included in the class email. The link to my Zoom meeting is the same for all my classes every semester.
I will contact you if there is a change. If you call by phone, you may be asked for the Meeting ID. If you call by phone, you may be asked for the Meeting ID.
Attached is a handout with my Zoom link and information on Zoom features. For confidentiality, this information will be included in your private email.
Keep your phone (and Zoom phone number) nearby in case you have problems with the audio. If preferred, you can use your device to view the screen and your phone to listen to the audio. Send me an email if you have any questions or problems.
Zoom Essentials & Resources (for first-time users)
If this is your first Zoom meeting, please follow these instructions and sign in 15 minutes before the start of the meeting. You will be prompted to download the app. You can join from your computer, tablet, or mobile device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more all supported). Zoom will need to download a small app and run it. Answer any questions affirmatively to give Zoom permission to install and run.
Click: Zoom Setup and Features
If you have problems with the audio, sign out of Zoom and sign back into Zoom. If you continue to have problems, click How do I test my computer audio? (48 sec.)
Quick & Easy Audio & Visual Instructions
You can choose to use audio on the computer and/or your phone. Before the start of the meeting, test your equipment to make sure it is functioning. You can use the following information and settings to make sure everything is working at this time.
Visual and Auditory Options
Click on the microphone button on the bottom left side of the Zoom screen to mute your audio on and off throughout the session. To avoid unnecessary background noise during the meeting, please mute your audio when you join. Make sure you unmute yourself to speak so you can join our conversation during the class!
Click on the video camera button on the bottom left side of the Zoom screen to turn on and off your video camera throughout the session. (You can click the video button on or off when you want to be seen (or not seen) throughout the Zoom session.
Where to Access the Class Website
Click LifeStories-Donna.org.
Let me know whenever you would like for me to post your stories on our class website in the tab, Our Stories, so your classmates can enjoy them as well. I will ask your permission prior to posting anyone's stories on the website.
Course Format: Online Weekly Sessions & 'Stepping-Stones'
The information in this partially online course room is designed to encourage you to work at your own pace with your creative expressions of life stories. You also have the option to follow the weekly schedule in the syllabus. This is a Fully Online course with the weekly lessons and course contents posted on the class website. You also have the option to join the class via Zoom meetings on Fridays from 1:00-3:30 PM.
The design of this online course includes ‘Stepping-Stones’ which are meant to support you with forming and expressing your stories based on your interests and needs at this time. Some students have previously taken this partially online course. Whereas, other students are taking the course for the first time. I will be available to answer questions as well as provide support, guidance, and resources as needed.
Course Format & Course Contents
Interests and skills in forming and expressing life stories may include a range of individual topics, selected periods or experiences in life, as well as reminisce and review of life development from “ancestry through maturity.” Course content is organized by steps which are called 'Stepping Stones' (see list of topics) and posted within emails.
-Option 1-- Working at your own pace and interests.
One option with your focus and progress is to follow the weekly topics, class presentations, and/or 'Stepping- Stones' at your own pace and/or interests. The course is designed so it can be self-paced based on your current interests, needs, and skills. You may move through some topics with ease or pause to spend more time with reflections, research, communication with others, etc. You may choose to follow the 'Stepping-Stones' in chronological order or select specific 'Stepping-Stones' and/or topics based on your current interests, needs, and creative process.
-Option 2--Follow the weekly schedule for the class topics & presentations
Click on the tab for the Calendar as well as the tab for the Tours & Topics to view the current schedule. I will notify you via email whenever there is a change in the schedule. I will also update the date of the revisions on the Calendar.
-Option 3--Combination of Options 1 & 2
Using the 'Stepping-Stones’ with forming and expressing your stories has been designed to include students taking the course for the first time as well as returning students. This includes students who are working independently at their own pace (Option 1), students who are following the weekly schedule for the class and joining the weekly Zoom sessions (Option 2) as well as students who are using a combination of Options 1 and 2. Each option includes the option of joining the class on Zoom!
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
What are the creative expressions that interest you with life stories?
What are the creative expressions you might use with your life story, the life of someone of interest to you, or other topics that may interest you?
Feel free to share your feedback about the course in our Zoom sessions, by email, or by phone. I use student feedback each semester to update and improve this course.
If you have any questions or problems, let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Course website: LifeStories-Donna.org
RSDDonna@gmail.com (Preferred email for communication with classes.)
Welcome to Week 2 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Shared Stories
We generally start the class with shared stories by classmates. Sharing stories and information during our Zoom meetings will be encouraged but optional. Posting shared stories and information on our course website is also optional.
Course Website, Calendar, & Zoom
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar for weekly topics.
Zoom: Attached is a handout with my Zoom link and information on Zoom features.
Life Stories on the Website
You can also enjoy reading some of the life stories from previous semesters:
Click: Student Stories
Creative Expressions
We will talk more this week about sources of creative expressions you have enjoyed in the past and creative expressions you might use with life stories this semester.
Purpose & Audience
Identifying your purpose and audience can be an important tool, and source of support, in getting started. As we move through this course over the next 18 weeks, let us know if it changes as your life story develops.
Click: Purpose & Audience
Student Feedback
Feel free to share your feedback about the course in our Zoom sessions (optional), by email, or by phone. I use student feedback to update and improve this course. I look forward to hearing from you.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Welcome to Week 3 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
This course is designed so you can follow the topics on the course website or work at your own pace. Select the topics that fit your interests and needs at this time.
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with shared stories by classmates as well as progress and challenges with creating stories.
Purpose & Audience (Follow-up)
As we move through this course, let us know if this changes.
Where to Access the Class
Website: LifeStories-Donna.org.
Zoom: Attached is a handout with my Zoom link and information on Zoom features.
Calendar
Click Calendar for the weekly topics.
Course Content: - Writing Styles & Templates
Read: A Guide to the Different Types of Writing for 2025.
Read: Master the 5 Writing Styles to Engage Your Readers.
Read: The Three Types of Common Core Writing Defined - Teach.com. Argument (Writing to persuade), Informative (Writing to explain), and Narrative (Writing to convey real or imagined experiences).
Read: 10 Types of Creative Writing.
Read & View: 10 Tips for Developing Your Own Unique Writing Style
Watch: The Power of Storytelling: 4 Types of Stories (8:41)
Types of Stories: Origin. Value, Vulnerable (Fear), & Personal Stories.
‘The Power of Storytelling is how we connect with people, build movement, and nurture cultures. Take your story, develop it, shape it, and maximize it...in a way that communicates with people and connects with them.’
Create: An introduction of yourself (or someone you know) that reflects something about yourself or someone else. This can be written, a photo, an image, the title below, and/or the use of other forms of creative expression such as ChatGPT.
Select the structure or format that works best for you. Try this out...
a. Topic/Title: The Writer I Bring to the Page (or Storyteller)
b. Introduction: Styles of Expression & Stories
c. Key points: 3 points that support your story
d. Summary: That ties it together
e. Optional: Add photos/images to your story
I look forward to learning more about how you are doing with your stories!
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
RSDDonna@gmail.com
Week 4:
Titles, Themes, & 'Red Threads'
Creative Expressions with Photos & Images
Welcome to Week 4 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
As a reminder, this is a self-paced class so you may not all be in the same place. Some of you may want to share your progress weekly with me; others may prefer to work more independently.
Shared Stories & Photos
We will begin the class with shared stories and photos as well as sharing your progress and challenges with creating your stories. Let us know if there is a story related to a favorite photo you would like to share with the class.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
This Week
Tools & Topics
Creative Expressions with Life Stories:
Check the course calendar for topics with Creative Expressions.
Videos
25 Years Later | 9/11 Reunited | National Geographic UK/WILD
Richard Drew on photographing the "Falling Man" of 9/11 (7:26)
How to Explain Your Idea in 30 Seconds or Less (4:21)
What does the Red Thread mean? (6:22)
Tracking Favorites w/ Google Photos by Geeks on Tour (2:08)
Personal Applications
Select Photos/Images that Enhance Memories & Creativity
Identify some favorite photos, images, and types of stories
I hope you enjoy the information provided in the lesson. Your feedback on what was useful, what you enjoyed, and/or what you found less useful or less enjoyable is appreciated. I use student feedback to update and improve this course. Thank you!
If you have any questions or would like additional information, feel free to contact me via text, email, or phone.
Enjoy creating your stories!
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
RSDDonna@gmail.com
Welcome to Week 5 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Shared Stories
We generally start the class with shared stories by classmates. Sharing stories and information during our Zoom meetings will be encouraged but optional. Posting shared stories and information on our course website is also optional.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Course Contents
Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 5.
Blooms Taxonomy (Levels of Understanding)
What is the Meaning of The Red Thread?
What does the Red Thread mean? (6:15)
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
Use may choose to use tech tools and photography to support you with creating and telling stories (pros/cons) that could include:
§ Photos & Photo Books
§ Word documents with photos inserted
§ Videos
§ The use of photos to jog your memories.
Personal Applications
Organize & select topics and examples of creative expressions with storytelling.
What are examples of Creative Expressions by others that you have admired and/or enjoyed?
What are the Creative Expressions you have used in your previous stories?
What are the Creative Expressions you would like to use in your stories at this time?
Additional Resources
Learn Google Photos 2021: How to privately store, organize, edit, and share your lifetime of photos and videos (Book)
I hope you enjoy the information provided in the lesson. Please share your feedback with me on what was useful, what you enjoyed, and/or what you found less useful or less enjoyable. I intend to continue to use student feedback to update and improve this course.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Welcome to Week 6 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Shared Stories
We will begin with shared stories as well as sharing your progress and challenges with creating life stories.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Course Contents
Tools & Topics - View the course contents for Week 6.
Red Threads - See Week 5.
Videos
What's Your Favorite Red Thread in Your Favorite Movie (3 min)
Mom vs. Dad: What Did You Inherit? (4 min)
Genetics 101 | National Geographic (3:12)
10 Traits You Didn't Realize Were Genetic (9:18)
Separated At Birth 33 Yrs Ago, IDTwins Meet For First Time TODAY (10 min)
Epigenetics and the influence of our genes | Courtney Griffins | TEDxOU (18:40)
Epigenetics - Our bodies' way to change the destiny written in our DNA | Moshe Szyf | TEDxBratislava (16:43)
Epigenetics, the study of how our behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way our genes work, offers a promising path to living long, strong, and vital lives. To improve our epigenetics, we can adopt several strategies.
1. Meditation & Prayer
2. Getting & Receiving Love
3. Life Satisfaction (taking enough action on the things we value)
4. Be Creative
5. Getting Outdoors (for at least 20 minutes)
6. Spending time with people that appreciate and encourage you
7. Having long range goals
8. Sweating everyday – move your body
9. Have routines and ritual related to something bigger than you
10. Being of service
For more information, learn more about your DNA with 23andMe:
Click https://www.23andme.com/ASAP
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
23andMe - “I always wanted to know who are my ancestors? Who are the people who made me, me?”
Explore Genetic Influences: What were you born with genetically?
Explore Environmental Influences: What were you born into environmentally?
Additional Resources
23andMe - Learn more about your DNA and how DNA testing works.
Ancestry Corporate - Our Story
San Diego California Family Search Center
4195 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108-4103; (619) 584-7668
Enjoy creating your stories and feel free to send me your feedback. I look forward to hearing your, or someone you know, life stories.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
# # #
Welcome to Week 7 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Shared Stories
We will begin with shared stories as well as sharing your progress and challenges with creating life stories.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Course Contents
Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 7.
Red Threads - Review Week 5.
ChatGPT' - Digital and Oral Storytelling using ChatGPT.
Videos
Storytelling with Music (4 min)
How to introduce yourself | Rebecca Okamoto | TEDxNorthwesternU (9:44) Use your passion, mission, and strengths so you are seen, heard, and recognized.
Give me 9min, and I'll improve your storytelling skills by 176%. (9:00). Apply these 5 Techniques in Storytelling:
1. Location (Where you are)
2. Actions (What are you doing)
3. Thoughts (What are you thinking)
4. Emotions (What are you feeling, show it)
5. Dialogue (What are you hearing)
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
Share the structure & digital tools you have used or may use in the future.
StoryCorps App (Record/archive conversation w/ anyone, anywhere.)
Additional information
About Pioneers' Oral Histories
The Conversation of a Lifetime, Online with StoryCorps Connect
Enjoy creating and sharing your stories. I am available to support you and answer questions.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Welcome to Week 8 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with shared stories. This will include sharing your progress and challenges with creating your stories.
What story would you like to begin with today? Do you have any themes or questions you would like to focus on while sharing your story?
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Course Contents & Videos
Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 8.
Early Environmental, Generational & Cultural Influences
Videos
Biography of Erik Erikson (1902-1994)
Erikson’s 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development Explained (5:19)
How Piaget's Theory Influences Modern Education & Learning (3:21)
Creative Expressions (CE)
Add Early Environmental and Cultural Influences.
What were you born into environmentally and culturally? (Review Week 6.)
Is there a Life Stage that is the focus of your current life stories?
Continue using digital technology with photos and images to enhance your stories and/or projects.
Enjoy creating and sharing your stories. This class is designed to listen, offer insights, and provide a supportive environment for you to explore and share life stories.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
RSDDonna@gmail.com
# # #
Week 9:
Infancy & Toddlerhood;
Early Influences & Relationships;
Erikson's Psychosocial Development
Welcome to Week 9 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Feel free to pick and choose from the information posted in whatever way supports you with your stories.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with shared stories. This will include sharing your progress and challenges with creating your stories.
Course Contents & Videos
Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 9.
The First Two Years
What is your Attachment Style? (6:38)
Lifespan Developmental Stages
"There are various definitions of the periods in a child's development, since each period is a continuum with individual differences regarding starting and ending."
Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development...Trust vs. Mistrust
-Infancy (0-1 yr)
-Newborn (ages 0 – 2 months); Infant (ages 3 – 11 months); Trust vs. Mistrust
-Toddler (ages 1–2 y/o); Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
ID Environmental & Social Influences: What were you born into?
Additional Resources & Videos
What Is Your Attachment Style? (6:38)
Enjoy creating your stories and feel free to send me your feedback. I am available to support you, answer questions, and guide you as best I can, so please feel free to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Reviewing & Sharing Progress and Challenges with Life Stories
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with shared stories. This will include sharing your progress and challenges with creating your stories.
Course Contents & Videos
Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 11.
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
Add Early Influences, Memories, & "Life Markers."
How to Love the Scar, Not Just the Healing. (Cooper, D; 2025, Chap.1)
I hope you enjoy the information provided in the lesson and creating your stories. I look forward to hearing about your progress and challenges with your stories.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
RSDDonna@gmail.com
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with checking in on your progress with your stories followed by
Students’ Stories on the class website.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Where to Access the Class
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Check the Calendar for the current listing of presentations, tools, and topics followed by tips for creative expressions. Again, this is a self-paced class so everyone will not be in the same place with creating their stories.
Course Contents & Videos
Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 10.
Preschool (Ages 3–6 years)/Videos
A typical 4 y/o child on Piaget's conservation tasks (3:49)
Early Influences, Relationships, and Developmental Factors (3:52)
Erikson's Initiative vs. Guilt (2:40)
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
Introduce Yourself Using Creative Expressions (such as photos & images) that
"Tell a Story."
Additional Information
What is the most important influence on child development, Tom Weisner, TEDxUCLA (8:41)
Enjoy creating your stories and feel free to send me your feedback. I am available to support you, answer questions, and guide you as best I can.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with shared stories. This will include sharing your progress and challenges with creating your stories.
Course Contents & Videos
Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 11.
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
Add Early Influences, Memories, & "Life Markers."
How to Love the Scar, Not Just the Healing. (Cooper, D; 2025, Chap.1)
I hope you enjoy the information provided in the lesson and creating your stories. I look forward to hearing about your progress and challenges with your stories.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Welcome to Week 12 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with shared stories. This will include sharing your progress and challenges with creating your stories.
Course Contents
Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 12.
How to use your phone as a scanner (2:50)
How Do I Scan Old Photos with Google PhotoScan (44:14)
Google Photos - Ask Chris Anything (59:37)
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
ID Photos and/or Images That Left a Place in Your Heart/Life.
Enjoy creating your stories and feel free to send me your feedback. I am available to support you, answer questions, and guide you as best I can, so please feel free to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you in terms of your progress and challenges at this time.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Welcome to Week 13 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with shared stories. This will include sharing your progress and challenges with creating your stories.
Course Contents & Videos
Tools & Topics - View the course contents for Week 13.
The Clues to a Great Story | Andrew Stanton | TED (19:16)
Filmmaker Andrew Stanton ("Toy Story," "WALL-E") shares what he knows about cinematic storytelling -- starting at the end and working back to the beginning: Make your character likeable, have a strong theme that runs through the story, infuse wonder, capture a truth from what you know.
How to Tell Effective Visual Stories in Your PowerPoint (4:19)
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
ID Traditions and/or Movies That Left a Place in Your Heart/Life.
Videos that tell a story
Additional Information
I Read 34 Books on Storytelling to Learn These 3 Lessons
by Philipp Humm (7:00)
Bring your characters to life by describing their
a) Physical characteristics
b. Personality quirks and traits
c. Hopes, goals, and dreams
Bring in surprise (the unexpected, it breaks the patterns of what's expected).
Show the change (have an element of change)
5 Best Ways to Start Your Story - Storytelling Hooks by Philipp Humm (2:20)
Jump into action
Start with dialogue
Pose a question
Describe the characters
Close with a cliff hanger
Call or text me if you have any questions!
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
# # #
Week 14:
Middle Childhood/ School Age
>Ages 7 – 10 years
>Industry vs. Inferiority
Welcome to Week 14 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with shared stories. This will include sharing your progress and challenges with creating your stories.
Examples: Obituaries
Course Contents
Tools & Topics to view the course contents online for Week 14.
Industry vs Inferiority: Erikson’s Developmental Stage
Creative Expressions (CE) with Your Stories
Luciano Pavarotti Was Moved To Tears When a 7-Year Old Played His Song on a Broken Guitar (39:29)
Family Documentaries, Collages, and Video Storytelling
Additional Information
We Are All Different - and THAT'S AWESOME! Cole Blakeway, TEDxWestVancouverED (4:39)
Enjoy creating your stories and feel free to send me your feedback. I look forward to hearing from you.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
# # #
>Digital Storytelling
Welcome to Week 15 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Shared Stories
Today's class will not include a Zoom class meeting. Upon request, I will be contacting students individually.
Course Contents
Click Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 15.
Read Identity vs. Role Confusion in Psychosocial Development (Erikson)
Videos (Digital Storytelling)
Identity SHORT FILM - Award Winning Inspirational Short (5:18)
(Note: Read the comments posted below the film title.)
Mountain Girl - Documentary short film about aging gracefully (5:47)
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
Watch What is Digital Storytelling? (2 min)
Add Early Influences, Memories, Life Markers, Photos, and Videos as creative expressions to expand on "Telling Your Story."
Enjoy creating your stories and feel free to send me your feedback. I am available to support you, answer questions, and guide you as best I can, so please feel free to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Welcome to Week 16 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with shared stories. This will include sharing your progress and challenges with creating your stories.
Course Content
Click Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 16.
Click The San Diego Participant Observer Newsletter
Videos
Watch Erikson on Intimacy vs Isolation (2 min)
Watch Robert Waldinger, MD - The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.(6:52)"The Harvard Grant Study, one of the world's longest studies on adult development, found that good relationships are the single biggest predictor of a happy, healthy, and long life, more so than wealth, fame, or even genetics." (For more information, see below.)
Personal Applications
What makes for a happy life, a fulfilling life? A good life? For information on the scientific study of happiness, read: Waldinger's book, The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness (2023).
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
-Use Family & Friends (Personal and Professional)
The #1 Journaling Method for Brain Health You Need to Know | Dr. Arif Khan (5:24). Expressive, Reflective, & Gratitude Journalling.
-Handwriting Literally Rewires Your Brain (9:47)
-Journaling Didn't Work for Me Until I Was Told This (6:32)
Applications
Change Your Life by Journalling in 2026 (16:03) Scroll to 11min.
-"What was the most story worthy moment that happened to me today?"
-Morning Pages: Start with writing, "Today is going to be a great day."
-Other examples: Expressive Writing, Gratitude Journalling (5 min.), Share Writing, Wheel of Life, Favorite Journalling Prompts, etc.
What mattered most to you as a young adult?
Feel free to send me your feedback as we move toward the end of this semester.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Week 17:
Middle Adulthood
>Ages 45-64
>Generativity vs. Stagnation
Welcome to Week 17 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Shared Stories
Enjoy creating and sharing your life stories. Let know if you would like to share a story with the class.
We will share progress and challenges with your life stories, stories related to Middle Adulthood, as well as your applications and assessments of what we have covered in the class this semester.
Course Contents
View and read the course contents listed on the website related to the developmental stage of Middle Adulthood.
“Erikson stated that the primary psychosocial task of middle adulthood—ages 45 to 65—is to develop generativity, or the desire to expand one's influence and commitment to family, society, and future generations.” Source
“Two basic needs in adulthood according to Erikson are generativity and intimacy.” Source
“Erikson's primary development conflict of middle adulthood is generativity vs. stagnation.” Source
I hope you enjoy the information provided in the lesson. Please share your feedback with me on what was useful, what you enjoyed, and/or what you found less useful or less enjoyable. I intend to continue to use student feedback to update and improve this course.
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
“Creative expression is the ability to use our minds and imaginations to create something that represents ourselves. There are countless ways to express ourselves creatively, whether through music, visual art, crafting, writing, photography, drama, or movement.” Source
Add the Useful Accomplishments Important to You (in Middle Adulthood?)
Class Enrollment
Current students can enroll here: myportal.sdccd.edu. Scroll down to click on the blue box & 2 Factor Authentication. You will need your Student ID, Password, & Class Number.
If you have any problems or questions with class enrollment, let me know or call Mid-City Center Campus (619-388-4500).
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)
Welcome to Week 18 of Our Stories/Our Lives.
Course Website & Calendar
LifeStories-Donna.org.
Calendar
Shared Stories
We will begin the class with shared stories. This will include sharing your progress and challenges with creating your stories.
Course Contents
Tools & Topics to view the course contents for Week 18.
The Trident Society (Cremation Assistance & End of Life Planning/Conversations)
The Body Donation Program - UCSD School of Medicine
Videos
What is Dementia? Importance of early identification/treatment (21:16)
3 questions to ask yourself before you die | Luyi Kathy Zhang | TEDxJacksonville (15:22)
Class Discussion
In focusing on Older Adult developmental challenges, what do you think is/isn’t helping you with your Quality of Life (QoL) as you age?
What is important (at this time in your life) to do and communicate before you die?
Creative Expressions w/ Your Stories
Writing an Obituary (Shaping a Legacy: Elements of a Well-Lived Life)
Add Useful Accomplishments & Values Life Legacies. Add A Range of Emotions.
Good job, everyone. I look forward to celebrating the end of this semester with you.
Donna Eckstein, PhD
Faculty, Emeritus/OA Program
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)