Benefiting from a Walk Down Memory Lane

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we’re getting out the scrapbooks and sweeping out the dusty corners of our minds as we talk a walk down memory lane! There are loads of benefits from reminiscing in a positive way. Notice I said reminiscing and not ruminating, there is a difference. Conjuring up sweet memories by re-reading journal entries and organizing old photographs can help you remember the details and with those details, come the happy memories. The emotions you felt as you remember the sparkle in your eye, the fuzzy flitter in your heart, or the way your face hurt from smiling so much. BAM - you are transported by to your “happy place”! This is a real experience you store in your brain and are able to recall to overcome fear, lift your mood, or quiet anxiety. Let’s explore the benefits of a walk down memory lane and how you can journey there often.

I have a pretty good memory, remembering many details from my childhood. Not crazy early memories like some claim but a good amount of specific detail when telling stories from my past. With that said, your hard drive, or brain drive only has so much space. The further away from the memories I get, the weaker the details. That’s sad to me. At one point in my life, those events and subsequent memories were everything! 

I’ve tried to be diligent about capturing memories. I took pictures when my kiddos were little and when we had a video camera, took some videos - which all have to be converted now. I started journal after journal with no real consistency. I have a few scrapbooks created when people still printed pics. And now I have timeline entries on Facebook, 

I’ve moved around over my life so unfortunately, things are shoved here or there and I’m sure at one point, made it into a box in the infamous garage. 

Let’s gain some newfound motivation here by finding out first, how do we benefit from replaying happy memories in our minds? Then, what can we do to make this a more conscious effort? I’m sure we will stumble upon even more ideas along the way. 

One of the steps I’ve mentioned before but shouldn’t go without saying is preparation. It is very difficult to conjure up a happy memory when you are in the throes of anxiety or depression. By then, the clouds have moved over the sun, and finding your happy place can seem like a mirage.  Never fear - prepare. Take some time while in a calm and even state to look for the path to memory lane. Get a piece of paper or record yourself talking about a specific memory. I would recommend looking for and documenting three memories. 

Here is the key, be specific. Today reading, the day I went to the beach might help you actually remember but on a cloudy day of depression, those words will do little to shine the light on the happy memory.

Add detail and color. For example, It was late May when I was 22. After a crazy month of meetings, deadlines, disappointments, and a few wins, I put in for a long weekend. I loaded up the car, found a hotel room on the beach, and set out for Sea Side Beach in Florida. The closer I got the warmer the weather and I rolled down my windows to let the salt air carry me away. I practically ran to the beach the minute I pulled in kicking off my shoes and rolling up my jeans. The sand was soft, powdery white, and quickly went from warm to cool as I reached the water's edge. Swoosh….the ocean welcomed me to my weekend oasis. 

Ahhhh you can see what I mean about detail and color. Instantly, you’ll be transported back to that time and place when cares were minimal.

Markham Heid shares: The Power of Positive Memories found at nytimes.com

Marie Claire gives us some ideas on How to make happy memories last forever – and boost your well-being

Memory Help for Seniors: Proven Tips for Boosting Your Brain 

CHALLENGE: before stress, anxiety, or depression bring you down, prepare for a guided walk down memory lane to easily transport yourself into a happier time and space. Consider journaling, adding details and emotions to cherish yourself before leaving your legacy to others. 

 

I Know YOU Can Do It!