¿Por qué no recordamos los primeros días de nuestras vidas? I am learning Spanish on Duolingo and this phrase keeps returning to my lessons: Why don’t we remember the first days of our lives? My earliest memory is at my brother’s first birthday party–I was one. It is a memory of a day with my grandmother that I cherish, and my online Spanish lessons keep reminding me of it. -Michael Tino (CLF)
What is your earliest memory?
Sometimes, we light a candle to remember someone important. As it burns lower, its flickering light reminds us to bring them into our hearts, minds, and prayers.
Light a candle of remembrance today.
A pile of old photographs brings back memories of people who have gone before us, like the cloud of ancestors at your back.
Who are the ancestors behind you today?
So many times, I find myself lying awake in bed, replaying situations I wish I had handled better. Sometimes memories of the mistakes of years ago will come back to me when I need my mind to be empty the most. It is a constant effort to remind myself to be gentle with past me and to let those things go. -Michael Tino (CLF)
How can you be gentle with your past self today?
I struggle with short term memory and have excellent long term memory. I can describe to you everything I did the day my brother was born 18 years ago, and all the words to my favorite song when I was 13, but I cannot remember where I last had my glasses, or what today’s Wordle answer was. This has given me great anxiety and frustration over the years when it interferes with school, work, social engagements, etc. I am working on forgiving myself for this “lack” in memory and priding myself on my ability to tap into moments from long ago. -Marin Smith (CLF)
How do you deal with frustrations around what you do (and don’t) remember?
