Enjoy trips down memory lane?

Relish the memories, but also make new ones today

Do you enjoy taking a break from whatever it is you are doing to take a trip down memory lane?

Well, I do. I enjoy reminiscing. Childhood, university, the first job, family vacation — take your pick; I enjoy looking back and losing myself, even if only for a few minutes, in memories.

The funny thing is, after every “journey” back in time I find myself ever so slightly dissatisfied with the present. It seems like life has only gotten infinitely more complicated. Although truthfully, the only time I probably switch on the time machine is when I feel the present is less happy than the ‘good-old-times’.

A tendency to fast-forward or rewind but reluctance to press Play

As I speak to friends and family, I see that many are less than happy now. Some prefer the past, some look to the future but very few gratefully enjoy the present.

We forget that our memories are imperfect and our aspirations (important as they are) are ‘could-be’ outcomes. What we do have is what we have today — seems fairly obvious but feels much less so.

After a particularly fun trip down memory lane, I resolved to look at the present with as much fondness as the past. At the very least, I would focus on creating memorable memories today. At best, I would consistently make the fullest of every situation while respectfully appreciating the good times of the past — creating a lifestyle of gratitude and positive experience.

Tactically, this meant consciously focusing on 3 things and reminding myself (very very often) to develop perspective:

1. Reflect on my privileges — whether it is the important presentation I delivered successfully or the shining sun and greenery near home, once habituated to acknowledging the good things I have in life, I take fewer things for granted
2. Objectively analyze energy spend — think about what makes me feel fulfilled and what drains me. This is less about goals (e.g., get promoted in 12 months) and more about purpose (‘am I doing the things I am because I feel passionate? If not, is there another good reason behind why I do what I do?’). This is also about taking responsibility for my happiness and fulfillment
3. Reaffirm the beauty in the fluidity of every day — Understanding that life consists of a few different parts and expecting everything to be in sync as a precondition for happiness is foolhardy. This is about experiencing life, every day, one-day-at-a-time. Not getting lost in tomorrow, not falling back on yesterday. Being grateful, accepting that things happen in a way different than I would like, and appreciating each day anyway

Changing your mind can change your world. Maybe even The world. Practice living in the present, appreciate the journey we are all on, and respect the infinitely complex permutations of outcomes that are possible.

Look forward and lean back as you need, but don’t forget to sit upright and take note of the now.