What memories does the holiday season bring to your mind? Perhaps you remember the thrill of waking up on Christmas morning to find gifts under the tree. Maybe you recall sledding, making snow angels, or sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace. Whatever your memories, there’s no denying that this time of the year is memorable. Have you ever reflected on the significance that shared memories bring to our relationships? Memories enrich our lives.

So, what is a memory?  Memory is the ability by which the brain translates, stores, and retrieves information. It’s documentation of our experience for directing future actions.  Memory helps make us who we are. Without the help of memories, we would struggle to absorb new information, form long-term associations, or the ability to go through our daily lives.

Memories mean something vital because they are the exclusive territory of those who took part in creating them. The distinctiveness of shared experiences clarifies why we have inside jokes, which make sense to no one other than our closest friends.

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. ~ Leo Buscaglia

Memories and Relationships

Each person is unique, and yet our lives interconnect, and we experience each day in the context of relationships. Together we run into all sorts of events and situations-some humorous, some significant, and others merely ordinary. These shared moments acquaint us with each other and give us a feeling of togetherness.

Despite losing touch with old friends, we can instantly connect if we cross paths. Why? Because we never forget the memories that we share, and those memories serve as a connection point to reengage in the relationship. Our memories stir up emotions of warmth and happiness, and they remind us of why our relationships are so valuable to us.

There would be many things to follow, as our friendship has many things. And so much of them reminds me of the happiness our friendship brings. ~ Julie Hebert

Memories don’t have to happen on accident.  Here are some ways we can plan our lives to create lasting memories.

Start new traditions. 

Anytime you start something new, you have created novelty in your life.  This freshness brings our focus to the new activity we are doing, thus forming new memories.  The more meaningful or fun the event is, the more memorable the moment will become in our minds. 

Take a painting class with your girlfriend, or go to the monthly book club with your husband.  By trying new things with others, we reinforce the act of learning, and we have someone we can share the unique experience. 

I would like to encourage you to set traditions for your family as well as your home. Making traditions is making memories. ~ Robin Redmon Dreyer

Set aside time to make memories. 

If we aren’t careful, the humdrum routine of life crowds out joyous moments with friends and family.  Therefore, we need to make time in our calendars to share joyful moments with those we love.  Doing so is a great act of self-care.  We all need to set time aside for fun times, especially with loved ones. 

We must use time wisely for our development and advancement; so that when we are old, we can look back and recollect the pleasant memories and deeds that we have achieved. ~ Michael Lee

Plan joyful memories.

Most people don’t lead their lives; they accept their lives. We need to choose to live a life worthy of remembering. Be intentional about planning events to celebrate the things that matter most to you. 

Take a trip.  Travel is a fabulous way for us to create unique moments that are remembered long after we return home.  By planning these types of activities into your schedule, you are consciously creating the life you desire.

Travel is a new experience that can transport you out of your everyday routine to create memories with the ones you love.  ~ Brian Chesky

Find ways to build something.

Whether a cake, a craft, or a construction project, strong memories are made when people create something together.  Some of the most beautiful times with my granddaughter is the time we spend together in my studio painting.  We talk with one another as we create a piece of art that we have hanging thorough out my home as mementos of those times. 

The process of creating allows us to spend time together and discuss the progression of the project.  It also allows us to build bonds as we overcome any obstacles we may face together. 

Good memories are most often created without conscious effort. These are the memories that result from those unselfish acts or behaviors that give of our time, talents, or gifts without any due regard for repayment. ~ Byron R. Pulsifer

Create bonds during trails. 

When we struggle together and overcome, it makes a lasting impression on our memories.  Therefore, those that participated alongside us become essential characters in our life stories.  We all know stories of military personnel who have bonded with those they served, especially during an armed conflict. 

We don’t have to be in great danger for this type of bonding to occur.  We have all joined forces with people to help us overcome obstacles at work or in other areas of our lives.  These connections reinforce our relationships with those individuals.

The more often you share what you’ve learned, the stronger that information will become in your memory.  ~ Steve Brunkhorst

Be fully present to create memories. 

The events of our lives only occur in the present moment.  Therefore, memories are only produced at the moment we are currently living.  We all can miss some of the sweet details of the day due to our minds nor focusing on that is happening.  In doing so, we may miss a child’s friendly way they greeted us, or the dog, knowing that we aren’t feeling well, lays down with us as an act of comfort. 

My memories mean a lot to me, and I hold them close to my heart.  ~ Radhika Apte

Have evidence that the event occurred. 

Take pictures, write in a journal, and buy souvenirs so that you have keepsakes to keep the memory alive. These physical reminders evoke the emotions of pleasant times spent with friends and family.

My husband and I ride a Honda Goldwing motorcycle, and every time we go to a new destination, we buy a thimble commemorating that trip.  It’s small, so it fits on the bike, inexpensive, but it’s a reminder of the places we have been together.  They are hung in a display case our home, and it’s fun to walk past and recall the times together.

The amazing power of pictures to stay in the memory is well documented. ~ Graham Shaw

Talk about fond memories. 

In conversations, revisit the memories we have in common with our friends and families. Share stories and recall the humor of past events. Talking about our memorable moments brings them to life again and allows us to reconnect with the magical moments of the past.  Memories compound one another when you share them with loved ones, especially this time of the year.

The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.  ~  Lois Lowry.

Moving Forward

What we need to do to create lasting memories is to focus on those things we want more of in our lives.  More time with our families and friends and doing more of the things that we enjoy.  Please focus on the positive aspects of our lives instead of the negative ones.  So, what memories did you make in 2019 that you will always remember?  What memories are you planning to create for 2020? 

As you realize the power of your creative mind and become conscious about adding more joy to your life, you can adjust the course of the coming year.  If you would like to receive more enlightening articles right into your email, fill this out now.

Do you need help becoming aware of your mindset?  Do you need support in creating more memorable moments in your life?  If so, please contact me, and we can put together an action plan for you to be authentically you and for you to have more joy in your life.

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