I am coming to believe that what I have written recently about the significance of memories is even more important than I first thought. Our memories, particularly the good and happy ones, are essential to our well-being as we age. Why and how did I come to this place?
I wish I felt differently, but getting old is not for the weak or cowardly. It’s a lousy journey no matter how one lives it. It’s like getting undressed slowly, taking off one item at a time until we are completely naked. And this is aging. One hour, day, week, and month at a time. So I ask, why spend any time in the present other than taking care of the essentials?
And, if not in the present, where? Back to your memory bank. Search out the good ones that made you happy, feel worthy, and bring tears of joy and smiles. Let go of the bad memories and resist those which want to come out. Stand your ground against the memories that have brought pain, sadness, loneliness, and despair.
Aging is a battle against eventual breakdown. As I have written repeatedly, we will lose the war, but we can and will win some battles, and our good memories are among our best weapons. They make us feel better, stronger, worthy, and loved. As I recently wrote, reminisce with others and help them share their good memories with you. Make this a part of any gathering.
When we have a visitor, which is often, we always share the fond memories that initially brought us together. Invariably, we laugh and maybe cry; how sweet this experience is. That is how the past becomes the present.
Sy