The year 2018 goes by. Another sunset. Another year to collect our memories.
Sunset 2019
Photo courtesy: Ulhas D.
What ARE memories? Memories are the mental capacity of reviving or retaining facts, impressions, events of people and places, or recalling numerical facts. However, on an average the worst memories stick with us, and the pleasant ones seem to slip away too fast. The importance of memories lies in the emotions and learning that takes place. Isn’t it befitting then, to shake out and share some memories at year end? By sharing we make our bagfuls lighter.
Here are some memories dear to me that gave me an ‘Áha‘ moment, enriching me.
On Events:
What a wonderful way to begin the year! A surprise birthday party for me made magical with food, laughter and fun with cousins. Traditional greetings and a game of story telling involved everyone’s participation. Lessons learned in gratitude towards all the wonderful people in my life!
Visiting family and friends is always a great way to relax. Opportunities to exchange ideas, savour cultural differences and try varied cuisines. Remembering that ‘adjustment factor’ is key to living amicably. ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans’ is a wise old saying.
Endless memories of constant caring for our elders at home coupled with recent death of loved ones has been on front burner. Dealing with petty needs, practicing patience, understanding the psychology of demential behaviour are just some eye openers in caring for aged. The fear of being incapacitated and immobile tends to snatch away the self esteem and interest in their life. As for us – It is an honourable chance to do our good Karmic duties and negate any residual loans in Life. Ónce they cared for us, now its our turn to look after them and be part of the cycle of Life.
Both pleasant and mentally tiring memories come to mind. The few pleasant interactions and short conversations, singing, reading to them made life more beautiful for both of us. The faint smile and the frail hand that reached out lovingly brought tears to us both. And memories of feeding a ripe mango and sweet kheer (milk and rice pudding) that dribbled down onto the shirt brought back my own childhood memories of being fed caringly by my parents.
Photo courtesy: express.co.uk
Then there are recent memories of attending my differently abled niece’s Talent show. Seeing these children perform with musical instruments, do traditional dance and learn a new language just demonstrated their grit and determination to learn as well as enjoy. Well done!
Can you recall any memories of social inclusion and work that you may have done?
On Friends and Relatives:
Friends, laughter, food, sharing thoughts and a shoulder to cry on -this sums up what friends are for.
‘Because of you I laugh a little, cry a little, talk a little …more‘ Thank you to EACH one of you, my dear friends. It was you who comforted me when in pain and chided me when erring! (and I know some of them will be reading my blog post). Sitting in the warmth of your company, sipping tea or being fussed over with delicious home cooked food, or having discussions on storytelling and gardening- you inspired me!
On Skills Upgrading:
‘To stay young and fit, sharpen your memory’ is an old saying. True, as you age, the neurons in the brain shrink and you loose the ability to remember facts, names. One way is to keep learning, staying abreast, developing new hobbies, meeting new people or solving brain teasers. ( I’m nervous to upgrade to a new mobile phone and learn/unlearn many a function). Don’t laugh please!
Observing screeching parrots and noisy Cockatoos in one of the parks sparked a new interest. Time to buy sketch pencils, colours and a drawing book, I thought to myself. Since then I’ve been recording bird facts, observing and feeding birds, searching You tube tutorials, and sharing my book with friends and school children. Be inspired, get creative!
Here is a simple bird story for you.
Storytelling is another tool in my cap. Just like reading, listening to stories brings numerous benefits to children. It improves listening, recall, imagination, public speaking and becoming creative to make up own stories.
What are your memories of Grandmother stories?
‘Good stories surprise us. They make us think and feel. They stick in our minds and help us remember ideas and concepts in a way that a PowerPoint crammed with bar graphs never can.”
Joe Lazauskas and Shane Snow, The Storytelling Edge
On Blogging: It’s been a wonderful journey since 2014 to date. in my first year I did not know the ABC of creating or writing a blog. Memories of late nights writing and erasing a post, getting stuck with a writer’s block or even crying over unsaved work make me laugh a bit now that I am more experienced. Phew! I survived. I learned. I’ve grown a bit. see here. for my blogging journey.
Let me stop here, for the bag seems a bit lighter now after sharing. Surely the memories have taught me many a lesson and because they are my very own…I can always tuck into them whether happy or sad.
It’s time to hear some of your memories of year 2018. Did they change the course of your journey?
Photo credit: Jeanna Gabellini htpps://masterpeacecoaching.com
Wishing you all a very Healthy and
Peaceful New Year 2020.
Walk to Market 
Outstanding write up Veena tai.
Thank you.
-Hema
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Very sweet motivation from you, dear. I had to control some emotions, yet go deep!
Thought provoking write up. Wonderfully worded. Proud of u , sis !
Superb, penning of your thoughts…You have a natural flair for story telling and story writing…keep writing..maybe you should send your stories to some magazines too.
Methodic outburst of emotions, is what I felt, while writing. I knew my near and dear would relate to it. Thankyou.
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