A pile of old photographs brings back memories of people who have gone before us, like the cloud of ancestors at your back.
Who are the ancestors behind you today?
Lying Awake
So many times, I find myself lying awake in bed, replaying situations I wish I had handled better. Sometimes memories of the mistakes of years ago will come back to me when I need my mind to be empty the most. It is a constant effort to remind myself to be gentle with past me and to let those things go. -Michael Tino (CLF)
How can you be gentle with your past self today?
Frustration
I struggle with short term memory and have excellent long term memory. I can describe to you everything I did the day my brother was born 18 years ago, and all the words to my favorite song when I was 13, but I cannot remember where I last had my glasses, or what today’s Wordle answer was. This has given me great anxiety and frustration over the years when it interferes with school, work, social engagements, etc. I am working on forgiving myself for this “lack” in memory and priding myself on my ability to tap into moments from long ago. -Marin Smith (CLF)
How do you deal with frustrations around what you do (and don’t) remember?
Repeating History
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” -George Santayana
What is a time your memory helped you avoid repeating a mistake?
Forgetful
The older I get, the more forgetful I have become. Where did I leave my keys? Did I pay that bill? This memory loss is also a time when I receive grace and good humor from my close friends as we navigate aging together. -Beth Murray (CLF)
When has forgetting something brought a smile to your face?