Memories

I’m feeling emotional today. I’ve been thinking about how fast time goes by, and about how so many of my greatest experiences have left me with only memories. Memories are such a powerful thing though, aren’t they? They have the ability to literally transport us back in time. We’re able to relive moments that we thought were long gone. In fact, I think memories are part of the foundation of who we are, they shape our identity and keep us connected to the past.

The sad thing is, we never really know when we’re making a memory. It’s impossible to predict when a moment will become a memory, or when a memory will become a cherished part of us. It’s only in retrospect that we can look back and see the significance of one particular moment in time (sometimes long after it’s passed) and that makes me realize how important it is to make the most of every single opportunity that life gives us.

And even though we can’t predict when we’re going to make a memory, I guess we can still make a conscious effort to create moments that are worth remembering, right? We can choose to spend time with the people we love, to explore new places, to try new things. We can choose to be present for every moment and to fully engage with our surroundings and our people. Then, hopefully fond memories will be created.

Some of my very best memories aren’t even about the big moments in life, they’re about the small ones. You know the ones, the everyday interactions and experiences that make up our lives. It’s remembering the sound of my Dad’s laughter, the taste of a really good homemade cookie, the sound of the wind through the trees at our mountain house, or the smell of sweet little Bubba just out of the bath. These tiny moments may seem insignificant at the time, and may even go unnoticed, but these are the ones that will become our most precious memories.

If you ask me, memories are what make life worth living. They’re the threads that connect us to our past, and to each other. We may never know when we’re making a memory, but I think we can choose to live our lives in a way that’s open to the possibility of creating them. We can choose to be present and work to truly appreciate the people and experiences that are right in front of us. We can choose to live a life that’s full of meaning and purpose, one that is worth remembering.

Whether we want to admit it or not, memories have a hold over all of us, and they are an important part of who we are.

So, take a moment to think about the memories that you hold dear, my sweet friend. Reflect on the moments that have shaped you and your life, and the people who have been a part of it. Appreciate them. And always stay open to the possibility of creating a new memory because it will likely stay with you for a lifetime.