We spend much of our life collecting things. When we look back at our possessions, we may well find that today we have a lot more than we had a few years ago, and probably a lot more than we may have expected. Nothing wrong with keeping up with the latest technology and giving ourselves a better quality of life. However, it will serve us well to stop for a moment and reflect on one of the most enriching aspects of life – how many memories have we collected?

We may not remember everything over the years but some experiences that we have given ourselves become memories that stay with us. Over time we realise that as life passes us by, it is some of these memories that are more precious than many of our belongings.

We remember people who have shaped our lives which is why memories of school friends and teachers are special. Places that we have visited often evoke a feeling of fun, joy, and admiration, and leave us with memories we fondly revisit. We remember the times in life we tried something new and different, still remembering the feeling of excitement and sometimes disappointment.

Today we look back and smile at our struggles and how we went through what seemed impossible situations then. We remember the wins and losses and today look beyond them and bring back the memory of the game played.  We remember the times we were there for others and in our small way made a difference in their lives. We remember the times we surprised ourselves and performed beyond our own expectations.

We remember the times we felt loved, and the times we were heartbroken. We remember the fights we had and how we mended things. We often forget what the issue was and probably laugh at how big things seemed then. Our eyes still swell up when we remeber those who were so much part of our life and are no more with us.

Our best memories are not of times we bargained for the best price, got the newest gadget, or spent disproportionate time at work. It is about the experiences we have given ourselves, the relationships that were meaningful, and the impact we made in someone’s life.

Today’s choices will become tomorrow’s cherished memories. But this will only happen when we make the conscious choice to spend more time with the people we love and do the things we enjoy and wanted. At the end of the day, we will discover that life is not about how many possessions we are collecting, but about how many memories we are giving ourselves.

(Picture – Jasper National Park, Canada )