Quick question: If memories were money, would you be rich right now? Are you a little fearful of how many more opportunities there will be (or won’t be) to make new memories?

Maybe your child is fleeing the nest and you’re a little preoccupied with holding onto memories of your kids as little ones. Or maybe, in the midst of the pandemic, recalling recent happy memories may seem a big ask. After all, holiday, birthday, and anniversary celebrations with our loved ones have for long been off-limits.

What is interesting is that researchers at the University of California report that people with usually strong memories are finding it harder to remember things due to the pandemic. This is thought to be in part the result of minimal social interaction as well as the lack of repetition of stories with loved ones, which off course, play a huge part in cementing our memories.

Truth is, Covid-19 has had an impact on the happy memories we’ve been able to make recently. And let’s be honest, life gets busy. Counting the days until our next payday … constantly trying to make money to earn more, to live … more. And yes, it’s critical to have some money but it’s so important to deposit good memories in our memory bank so that, in the future, we are more likely to make withdrawals of happiness.

If you were to close your eyes and cast your mind back to your childhood, what would you remember? How many of us actually remember what gifts we got for each birthday? What we do remember is the feelings or emotions connected to them. When kids look back on their lives, they rarely remember the expensive gifts or fancy dinners; they remember the sacrifices their parents made and the special times that weren’t that important to anyone else, but to the both of you.

According to Meik Wiking, author of The Art of Making Memories, happy memories are essential to our mental health. They strengthen our sense of identity and purpose and bond our relationships. Good memories essentially smooth out the pits and elevate the peaks. Strong families are built on memories and experiences, however it doesn’t just happen, you have to work at it.

So, next time when you’re thinking that you’re totally messing up this parenting gig, allow them to have ice cream for breakfast. Create new traditions with your family; cook Sunday lunch together or plant some seasonal flowers that you both know are “yours”. Pack away the suits and the dresses now and then and play endless games of Marco Polo in the pool.

You want your kids to have a vivid memory of what stability looks like, what love feels like, and what home smells like. You want them to remember your profound presence in their lives, making them feel that they belong. And if they ever feel that they are misunderstood and don’t fit in; make sure that the memories your share will always remind them that that your family is here, and that they fit right in.

“The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don’t celebrate these, they can pass you by” – Alek Wek

Source: giftsforyounow.com, indianexpress.com, bestmomideas.com, wellnessandpurpose.com, besthealthmag.ca, thefrugalcottage.com, dancingthroughtherain.com, scarymommy.com, anitacleare.co.uk, colesfuneraldirectors.co.za

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.