How to Hold on to Memories

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Sometimes pictures aren't enough, and no matter how much you snap away, it can become a chore as opposed to a spontaneous capture of the moment. Memories are sadly few and between, and as we age, sadly the brain slows down, and we lose the ability to remember 'everything'. While brain training is recommended for a healthy memory, actively carrying out 'brain-training' activities is another thing. Call it the laziness of the first-world, but there are other ways to hold on to memories, some of which are listed below.



Scents
There is no doubt that when a certain fragrance wafts my way I'm reminded of someone. Previous situations, people, places, etc. Sometimes a certain smell is unwanted, but a welcome aroma fills me with joy, and the memories of a happier time.

Keepsakes
Keepsakes are a great way of holding on to memories. It sounds a bit silly, and borders on hoarding, but I like to keep hold of select items that seem insignificant at the time, but are reminders of a great day; our receipt from Go Ape, a postcard from Paris, which I bought from a street vendor on The Rhine, a cinema ticket, and the flannels and jams from various hotels I've visited with my loved ones. It's such things which are tangible reminders of a holiday, a weekend, or just a day that I've enjoyed.

Notepads
Writing down a particular moment, whether it be in an email, in a journal, or any other permanent scribe piece, is an excellent way of recalling what happened yesterday, or three years ago. I used to do that with my diary entries. I'd note the time and date (if the diary wasn't in a calendar format), and looking back it's quite funny – you remember the emotions, that time you were lying there writing furiously in bed, or when you were in the park lazily watching the world go by when you got your pen out.

Camcorders
It's an 'old' way of capturing a moment, but thanks to Youtube, Keek, Vimeo and Instagram's new update, home-made videos are cool again. Not only can you capture where you are in the world, you can also share it with millions of users across the globe. I'm not one for video-making, but looking back at videos of family holidays always bring a rolling-on-the-floor-with-laughter tear to my eye.



Getting crafty, and encouraging your family members to do the same is a great way of remembering a moment, so put down your camera/camera phone, and get cracking with the above, or a few ideas of your own. And then your kids and grandchildren can look back, and laugh, as I have at how funny their granny and grandfather looked at their age.

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