I have so many memories of my childhood. The ones that stick out the most in my mind, however, are the memories that are attached to strong emotions.
In fact, my earliest memory is linked to sheer terror. I remember 9/11. Many people recall the exact place they were when they heard the news of the Twin Towers. But not everyone was under two years old when the attack occurred.
That’s right. I was just 21 months old. We were traveling with friends. My dad was in the passenger seat of the 12-passenger van we were traveling in. My mom was beside me, and I was enjoying the ride in my car seat.
Then dad got the call. I have no recollection of anything he said. I remember the look on his face as he told my mom what had happened. And I remember the stab to my heart that makes the moment stand so clear in my mind.
I don’t know if I picked up an emotion from my parents, or if even at that young age I realized that this event was much, much bigger than what anyone imagined.
Regardless, it’s interesting how fear makes memories stand out. Because the emotion puts your whole body on full alert, your senses are extra sharp, ready to make a quick run or to stand guard and fight.
The memories stick out because of all your senses being fully receptive to surroundings.
If I want to remember a moment for years, I take this perspective and act on it. I wear certain scents of perfume or chapstick on days I don’t want to forget. Or I take a moment to observe my surroundings, drinking in my environment.
Try it: open your eyes wide, to take in all you can see. Take long, deep breaths, letting the smell of the moment flow through your lungs. Stay silent and listen for the smallest noise that may spark your memory later Touch your face with your hand, or run your fingers through some sand nearby. Taste raindrops as they fall. Live the moment to the fullest extent possible.
Choose to alert your senses and train your brain to remember the good things in life. Try it: it’s pretty fun!