Five Ways to Cherish Your Memories For Generations to Come
Photo credit Rifle Paper Co
As another year passes by, we hold onto cherished memories we hope to never lose. There is a sense of refreshing new beginnings, building new relationships and starting new traditions with our children and families. Each new year brings a rhythmic new pace. If you know the saying, “out with the old, in with the new,” it’s often sung with anticipation of what is to come.
You might want to stop and think before tossing away those worn planners, and the expressional ink stains left in journals from the previous chapter of your life. Because what is new is not necessarily best. Memories preserved can be beneficial for the next generation. “It is those years between the ages of 15 to 25 that have an advantage in being remembered best among all events that happen during life as one gets older,” says Robert Belli, University of Nebraska Professor of Psychology, Social and Cognitive. “Our memories also serve us by helping to better understand our current life situation through the constraints and opportunities the past has placed on us, and the direction that we would like to pursue for our future.”
So, you might want to give it a second thought when it comes to journals – you could be contributing to an autobiographical memory for an upcoming generation. How much have we learned from our mothers? All the “how-tos,” “don’t dos” and “forget about its.”
Here are 5 ways to help your family hold onto all of those moments that pull at your heartstrings:
1. Take lots of photographs of events that are important to you, digitally or physical.
2. Create a keepsake box with letters, notes, pictures and objects to pass on to younger generations in your family.
3. Tell meaningful family stories to the younger generations to keep the family history unbroken.
4. Capture videos. What better way to add footage to the stories you will cherish years from now? This makes the memories as personal as you desire.
5. Keep your journals. Do not burn them. The details a journal possess are valuable ones that you’d otherwise forget.
The cherished moments – a baby’s first steps, communions, weddings, graduations to name a few – can be unforgettable. Let this be your declaration where you no longer remember days but remember moments.
A wonderful resource to get started in preserving the details of your upcoming family’s stories is Mixbook (one perk is your memories are stored digitally). However, if you prefer a physical copy or scrapbook, check out your local craft stores to begin the journey.
Regina Murden is an educator, inspired Bible teacher, and writer. Her purpose is to encourage women to experience the joy of a fulfilled life. She knows this can only come from a close relationship with God. She currently resides in Memphis, TN. She takes long walks, love horseback riding, and enjoy traveling.
