What Secrets Lie Within Your Family Tree?

Your life is part of a story that began long before you were born. Would you like to uncover that story but don’t know where or how to start? Creating a family tree might be your first step. A warning, though – delving into family history can be highly addictive.

Each of us is part of a bigger story. This story began long before our birth, shaped by the decisions, loves, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors. These often-hidden and forgotten tales hold answers to many of the questions we ask ourselves today. Genealogy and family constellations allow us to connect with this history, understand it, and find balance in our lives.

Each of us is part of a bigger story.

By creating a family tree, we can learn who our ancestors were, where they lived, what they did, and which events shaped their lives. But more than just facts, the feeling of connection is perhaps the most enriching part.

Are you intrigued and eager to begin? Here's how to start. (For those comparing my Slovak to the English version, note that this blog is adapted for different audiences. References to Slovak records and genealogical sites wouldn’t help U.S. researchers, just as Alabama census records wouldn’t assist most Slovaks.)

How to Begin

Start by talking to your family. Write down names, birth dates, marriage dates, and other important events. Browse old albums, examine family documents, and read old letters. Most importantly, note your information sources – it will save you time, nerves, and money later.

For example, I once heard that my great-grandfather’s sister had mills near a lake in America. Excited, I began my genealogical journey with this “fact.” Big mistake. It turned out my great-grandfather didn’t even have a sister. Hours of research later, church records and immigration documents in the U.S. and Canada confirmed this was a dead end. Starting research based on unverified information was an error I won’t repeat.

I suggest creating an account on Familysearch.org. Many people also use MyHeritage.com, but I’ve found that it charges for access to data mostly sourced from Familysearch.org, which is free. Ancestry.com is great for U.S.-based ancestors. Personally, I use multiple sites, but Familysearch.org remains my top choice for its global reach and free access.

On Familysearch.org or Ancestry.com you can input your family information and slowly watch as recommendations for family members appear, backed by records you can review. Beware – genealogy can become a passion. Once you start, you’ll likely be hooked. But it’s also a beautiful gift for future generations. The discoveries you make will not only surprise you but also open your eyes to new perspectives.

While genealogy focuses on facts and records, family constellations reveal hidden connections and dynamics that shape our behavior and relationships. Imagine your family system as a vast web. When its balance is disrupted – by unresolved conflicts, trauma, or exclusion – the impact can echo across generations.

I often think of my great-great-grandmother, who lost five children to typhus in one week, leaving her with just one. What did she feel? Did she have time to grieve? How did the surviving child feel? Such stories reveal that every family carries pain, sorrow, hate, love, suffering, and joy.

Combining genealogy and family constellations offers a unique opportunity to connect with your past while healing the present. For example, discovering a sudden death, exile, or loss of wealth in your family’s history may help you understand financial struggles today.

Family constellations also add an emotional dimension to genealogy. It’s no longer just about names and dates but also about feelings, release, and understanding. This process connects us to the past while allowing us to create a more conscious and harmonious future.

Discover your ancestors’ stories and let them speak to you. This journey isn’t just about family – it’s a journey to yourself.

Alexandra Alexander