🎉 Hey there, memory-maker extraordinaire! Yesterday was a rollercoaster of emotions for me! 😭 My oldest kiddo flew the coop and headed off to college. As I watched her walk away, I had a flashback of the first day of Kindergarten when I cried leaving her classroom. Tons of memories have been flooding in. Memories of us baking, making giant glitter messes, playing hide and seek, and tickling torture. I gave her the journal that I’ve been using to document all the fun memories of her since she was a baby. This moment in my life is obviously bittersweet. Overall, I’m so happy and so grateful, and excited for this next stage in her life. 🎓🏡📚
In my book “Happy & Strong,” my favorite chapter is called “Creating Memories vs. Getting Things Done.” Actually, one publisher even offered me to write another book based on this one concept. No, thank you. I just want to focus on my faith, family, and business right now. One of the top regrets people on their deathbeds have is that they worked too hard and didn’t spend enough time with family. They look back and don’t have enough lasting happy memories. 😔
Creating memories is a way to treasure life’s special moments. Whether it’s a spontaneous adventure, a heartfelt celebration, or a quiet moment shared with loved ones, make the most of the time you have together. 🌟
Here are 12 dazzling tips to help you craft lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. 🎉
1) Be Present: The foundation of any meaningful memory is being fully present in the moment. Put away distractions, silence your devices (I know this can be tough), and immerse yourself in the experience. The more engaged you are, the richer the memory will be. 📵
2) Embrace Novelty: Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things can lead to unforgettable memories. Embrace the unknown, whether it’s attempting a new hobby, exploring a different cuisine, or embarking on an adventure you’ve never considered before. One time our refrigerator broke and we had to eat out for a week before they could repair it. As a family, we tried a new type of food every night. We had Korean BBQ, and Himalayan food, went to a German Oktoberfest, and all sorts of new things. Each night the kids would say “ewwww yuck” at first, then we would end up loving it and more importantly they will never forget the memories of us yelling “Oooii! Oooii! Oooii!” and waving our mugs of root beer in the air at that German restaurant. 🍻
3) Capture the Moment: While living in the moment is important, capturing snapshots of these experiences can help you relive them later. Take photos or videos to freeze-frame the highlights. Before we left the house yesterday, all my kids sat on the couch and told their sister what they would miss most about her. Of course, I was bawling. Then Shawn played a slideshow of some of our favorite memories of her throughout her life. I’m so grateful we took so many pictures. 📸🎥
4) Share with Loved Ones: Memories shared with loved ones are even more special. Whether it’s a family outing, a getaway with friends, or a romantic escapade, the joy multiplies when experienced together. It could be something as simple as yesterday when Shawn said, “Everyone give Daisy one last kiss and hug goodbye.” Her brother Austin (my 15 year old) came running from another room and tackled her. Then my 13 year old jumped on top and my 8 year old on top of that. It was her final dog pile of her brothers hugging and kissing her and us all laughing. A memory was made versus just rushing to get out the door on time. Oh no…I just thought about it. My only girl is gone and I’m soooo outnumbered with all these boys now. 💋🤗
5) Celebrate Milestones: Life is full of milestones and achievements worth celebrating. Mark these moments with special gatherings, outings, or even a simple gesture that commemorates progress. I am famous for celebrating every milestone in a BIG way! Every birthday, graduation, good grades, really anything to create a memory and celebrate a WIN! 🎂🎈
6) Chronicle Your Feelings: Keep a journal where you can jot down your thoughts and emotions during significant events. Describing your feelings in words can help you relive the experience and the emotions that came with it. And like I said, maybe your family members will read in the future. Maybe even your posterity will read it long after you are gone and they will connect to family traditions or just get to know you through the pages. 📖❤️
7) Wander and Discover: Traveling to new places, whether they’re across the globe or in your own backyard, offers the opportunity to create memories tied to different cultures and landscapes. The sights, sounds, and flavors you experience become part of your memories. You know I love to travel. I love mini honeymoons with Shawn and even the stressful family vacation when we were traveling with babies. But I also loved just going downtown to a museum and learning about science or Black history with the kids. ✈️🌍🗺️
8) Establish Traditions: If you know me at all, you know I work extra hard to establish family traditions. Traditions are a bridge that connects the past and the present. Start simple rituals that you can repeat over time, creating a sense of continuity and comfort while building a treasure trove of memories. It could be traditions around holidays, Sundays, birthdays, or even just something you do at bedtime or saying I love you when you hang up the phone. I am hoping all the family traditions I have established will make my children long to come back home to visit once they all have moved out and have lives and families of their own. 🎄👨👩👧👦
9) Gift with Thought: Meaningful gifts make a difference. Consider giving presents that evoke cherished experiences or symbolize a special connection you share with someone. Instead of so many toys and electronics at Christmas time, maybe give the gift of experiences. 🎁
10) Embrace Spontaneity: Some of the most cherished memories are often unplanned moments that catch you by surprise. Embrace spontaneity and seize opportunities as they arise. If I remember correctly, in my book I talk about the time we went to the movies and our family was the only one there. At the end, there was fun music playing for the closing credits and Shawn and I went to the front and started dancing. The kids thought we were crazy, but soon joined in our impromptu dance party. As we walked out of the theater, Shawn said, “Do you have any idea how much Mom spent to have that whole place to ourselves?” The kids stopped and looked at him then started laughing again. None of us will forget that day. It could be as simple as jumping on the trampoline or running around in the pouring rain with our clothes on. Don’t miss opportunities because you are too focused on getting other things done. 💃🕺🍿
11) Connect Emotionally: Memories tied to strong emotions tend to linger. So do activities that evoke happiness, joy, and laughter because they become intertwined with the memory itself. 😄❤️🤣
12) Reflect and Share: Take time to reflect on your experiences and share them with others. Storytelling not only helps you preserve the memory but also allows you to bond with others over shared experiences. This is one of the reasons for this blog post today, my friend.
So, go forth and craft memories that’ll make your heart do a happy dance! It’s not just about the moments; it’s about the emotions, connections, and personal growth that they inspire. So, take a step back, appreciate the present, and weave beautiful memories that you’ll carry with you, always.💜
Your Friend,
Jaime