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PAUSE – 19.06 – Will Your Memories Last A Lifetime?

Reflection:  A few years ago, I asked an aunt and uncle of mine who were nearing the end of their lives what they remembered most about their time together.

Independently, they each gave exactly the same answer. They both recalled the trips they had taken together, the adventures shared, and the time spent away from the everyday cares of home and work.

My husband, Dave, and I just returned from several weeks in Eastern Europe. I understand what they meant. It was a treat to be sharing new experiences – and not be thinking about paying the bills, mowing the lawn, and taking care of business.

We made a lot of memories. From this recent trip, we will most definitely remember:

  • Laughs shared in the Mirror Maze and Fun House at the top of Petrin Hill in Prague
  • Viewing Klimt’s painting, The Kiss, in person at the Belvedere in Vienna
  • Our challenging Amazing Race transit day between Salzburg and Vienna (shuttle, hike, boat cruise, train ride and subway)
  • A concert at St Stephen’s Basillica in Budapest that lifted us all up and away. An organ with 6,507 pipes will do that for you!

As wonderful as they may be, I also believe that travel memories are only part of the picture. We also create compelling memories in our very own backyards.

  • I remember the joy of watching my young grandsons eat popsicles and toss water balloons with their great grandmother on a hot summer day – in our backyard.
  • I remember the day our oldest daughter married the love of her life – in our backyard.
  • I remember our garden filled with friends and family celebrating one of my milestone birthdays – in our backyard.

 

Action: My point is this. Making memories is more than an occasional vacation experience. A mindset of noticing the good stuff is what seems to make the difference.

Knowing what brings lifelong joy helps. For instance, there’s plenty of evidence that a consuming mindset doesn’t offer much long term satisfaction – trolling the malls in search of the next great purchase, spending hours noodling around online shopping websites, or veg’ing in front of the TV shopping channel. When you substitute a savoring mindset for an acquiring mindset, you are more likely to pay attention to the many good things that are already right in front of you.

So, near or far, at home or away, what will you do this month to make some memories for yourself and with the people you love?

 

Quotes Of The Week: Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. – Dr. Seuss

I enjoy, occasionally, a day with my memories – these paintings hanging on the walls of my mind. – Robert Brault

Pleasure is the flower that passes; remembrance, the lasting perfume. – Jean de Boufflers

Hmmm, how to ‘can a day?’ You know those days that seem so perfect you want access to them whenever the need arises. – Jeb Dickerson.

If you make a habit of buying things you do not need, you will soon be selling things you do. —Filipino Proverb

 

Resources Of The Week: Dip into Ilya Pozin’s article: The Secret to Happiness? Spend Money on Experiences, Not Things.

Eric Barker offers three secrets from research about How To Create Happy Memories That Will Last A Lifetime.

Or read Joashua Becker’s article: Nine Reasons Buying Stuff Will Never Make You Happy.

 

News: I’m delighted to let you know that I will be one of six featured speakers at Jeff Mowatt’s third annual Customer Leadership Summit in Calgary, AB on November 14. Also presenting are these fine people and most excellent speakers: David Irvine, Greg Schinkel, Lisa ‘Longball’ Vlooswyk, Stephanie Staples and of course, Jeff Mowatt.

I’m excited to be sharing my ideas on Fueling Enthusiasm – Building A Culture of Appreciation. But, I’m just as excited about the chance to learn from the other speakers. You can, too.

This link will take you to the full program info and details on how to register.  Early bird rates are in effect, so be sure to take advantage of that option and get this event on your calendar now.

 

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Category:
Appreciation, Life Balance, Life in General, Pause E-zines, Wellness

2 Responses to “PAUSE – 19.06 – Will Your Memories Last A Lifetime?”

  1. Brian W Thair

    I’m covering my walls with pictures and paintings. They are triggers for an inventory of experiences. They please me, every day.

  2. Pat Katz

    What a great idea, Brian.

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