When you take the time to reflect and evaluate your memories, it enables you to develop a better understanding and appreciation for what you have learned. Memories span across time. Cherished memories are found in spontaneous laughter, adventures, and when precious time is spent with those you love. We all have beautiful precious memories that we cherish. When we reminisce, our hearts are full of joy from the moments of love, celebration, and happiness. Memories take us back in time, providing moments of reflection and wonderment. It can be traumatizing for some people who have memories filled with unhappiness. Everyone may not experience cherished memories, some people may have experienced abuse, obstacles, challenges, and hardships that some of us may not even understand or relate to. Memories allow us to reflect on our past, and look back on our individual histories. Regardless of our memories, they are just a moment in time. We don't have to drown ourselves in bad memories nor should we forget them all together. A reflection of our past is an opportunity to evaluate the experience and decide on what we want for the future.
“Memories are the treasures that we keep locked deep within the storehouse of our souls, to keep our hearts warm when we are lonely.” – Becky Aligada
"Time and memory are true artists; they remold reality nearer to the heart's desire." - John Dewey
"The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don't celebrate those, they can pass you by." - Alek Wek
"To be human is to have a collection of memories that tell you who you are and how you got there."
- Rosecrans Baldwin
“Memories warm you up from the inside, but they also tear you apart.” – Haruki Murakami
“Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.”
– Oscar Wilde
Reflection allows us to gain insight into our individual experiences, like our childhood memories may differ from one another. Nonetheless, these memories take us back to a certain point in time when life was so different. It gives us a glimpse of what made us happy, or how little it took to be happy as compared to today. As I reflected on my childhood, I was fortunate to have the love of my parents and extended family. My memories are filled with life lessons that have made me the man I am today. One of my fondest memories was when I sold clothing, eggs, cigarettes, fruits, and vegetables when I was 10 years old. It was a family affair, an ability to supplement income. My sister and I learned early in age to work hard. It taught us interpersonal skills and our foundation for compassion, kindness, and humility. My very first lesson in entrepreneurship was selling ladies' underwear at a local market. As a result, I was teased so much. The experience did not deter me, I appreciated the overall opportunity and the lessons learned. Reflecting on your childhood is an opportunity to evaluate all you learned and what you carried with you to adulthood.
"Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future."
- Corrie Ten Boom
“Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can ever happen to one again.” – Willa Cather
“Memories, like dreams, are tools for understanding life…they provide an entry into the heart of what we have once experienced and helps us make sense out of it after the fact.” – Ayelet Waldman
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.”
– Maya Angelou
“Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming.” – Joseph B Wirthlin
“Life is a collection of moments; some remembered, some forgotten, some treasured forever.” – Unknown
The scariest of my memories are those of when I first got sick. It was truly the most difficult period of my life, and thinking about my experience I realized how fragile life can be. Especially when you face impending death, and you get to live and talk about it, you gain an entirely new perspective on wanting to live. For the first two years, I experienced restless nights, where every night I relived my near-death experience. As I got stronger my resilience grew, and I was able to develop the coping mechanisms I needed to move forward in life. This was not possible if I did not have the love and support of family and friends. I reflected and evaluated my memories of those difficult moments many times over the years. It has taught me so much about not giving up, it has also strengthened my empathy and understanding of others. I am grateful to be alive, and learned over time giving up is not an option. We all can keep fighting, regardless of the obstacles and challenges we face. Nonetheless, whether you have good or bad memories etched in your mind, what you learn from them and how you move forward in life matters the most. Our experiences may differ, lessons learned are valuable, and our future is determined by what we want to overcome and accomplish in life. It is important to reflect and evaluate your memories. Learning how to cope and use those memories will determine your outlook on life. The way I see it, our past may not dictate our future, but It can direct and guide the path we take.
“The past can hurt, but the way I see it you can either run from it or learn from it.” – Rafiki, The Lion King
“No matter how much suffering you went through, you never wanted to let go of those memories.” – Haruki Murakami
“I like to think of life as a puzzle with no missing pieces but rather an endless collection of memories waiting to be discovered and shared.” – Unknown
“Memories remind us of the roads we have traveled so that we can savor the moments and plan for the future.” – Unknown
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss
“Make peace with your past so it won’t destroy your present.” – Paulo Coelho
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