So, the older I get, the more convinced I am that life is a collection of moments. When you look back at your life do you remember entire years or snippets most vividly? I know that, for me, the answer is snippets of time. Sure, I remember a feeling of uncertainty my freshman year of high school, but my only true memories are of specific events or moments in time. As we get older, the general gives way to the specific and we not only remember the specific events, but we tend to idealize them, although that is a post for a different day. Today, I am focusing on pursuing collecting moments for future reflection.
Now, I know it sounds a little crazy to intentionally “collect”experiences or moments, but I have spent a great deal of energy, time and resources collecting objects that have no real value or attachment, so why not put the same energy into collecting things that will be of the greatest value to me as I grow older? For example, today, at a wedding, I had an opportunity both to celebrate the marriage of someone very close to me, and also reconnect with old friends. The conversations, the comraderie and the atmosphere was a memory that will bring a smile to my face every time I recall it in the future. That is a very valuable treasure that I don’t think we remember/understand as we go through day to day life.
Like any collection, you don’t just sweep up everything and then sort through it to see what to keep. Rather you actively keep on the lookout for something unique and special. Like taking the perfect photo, you scan around you and then suddenly you see it…the image is clear, the colors and angles are right and you know in your guy that it is the right moment to push the button. Moments are almost exactly the same. Sometimes you are prepared, but there are other times when it just strikes you out of the blue.
So, as you make your way through yet another work week, I challenge you to find some moments to collect. They will be there if you look for them, but you may miss some if you don’t. Have a great week.