Memorials can help memories.
Holidays remind us to Remember
Summers have holidays that honor whose we love and lost, those who fought for us and those of us who work. Within a few months, there are multiple chances for us to think about the history of others. Usually, coaches try to focus on what is going on within us. These special days draw our attention outward but provide us with a reason to feel inwards. Memorials are memory moments. But they also remind us to think about how we feel about humans we don’t even know. These are lovely attempts to notice the many sides of being a human.
Everyday Memories
Remembering humans who aren’t even in our lives can help us remember to think about those who are. When you get the chance to think about the other humans in your everyday life in the present, you don’t have to wait until they are a memory. You can make memories of them and stash them away to work as reminders when needed. Making memories is one of the best intentions there are for participating in something fun with others. You can even use it as a reason to do something new and different. When trying to make a memory or think about someone in a special way, the little things mean the most. The big stuff is usually covered pretty well.
Your Memorial
This is an age-old question. What would you like to be remembered for in history? Since there is no need to consider any tragic event occurring to you in the future, switch the focus to noting the first thing someone would say about you. This does not require dying, by the way. This can be what happens when you leave the conference or living room. The very act of being noticed for something is important, especially if it is something pleasant. If you can’t think of a memory for you, think about your bestie. What one word would be top of mind when they left the group? Certainly, yours would be positive. How comfy are you with saying it out loud to get the whole group to make some noises about buying in?
Self Memorial
Let’s go there. If you had a chance to write your own obituary, how long would it be? Obviously, you have that ability. In fact, you are actively writing your life story all of the time. The key word here is actively. Think about all of the words that would be created if everyone who knew you had to provide a one-word description of you. This list would be enlightening to read. It would also provide so much reason to consider what others thought about you that there might not be any more to think about. Or it might prompt even more change in your future. Your today self is not yet a memory to you, but it may be to others. The thoughts of others write your story as much as your own thoughts. It is just up to you what will be included. We have tremendous power over our memorials. Being gone is not a requirement.
What three words would your mother use to describe you? Who would you like to memoralize?
