Memories and why they are so important to us
In light of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, it got me thinking about the importance of our memories. Watching an LA resident laying out what remained of their family photos on the front lawn surrounded by a scene of total chaos and devastation, understandably in tears, made me wonder why we hold our memories so dearly.
Having had a recent sift through my own photos from several years ago and seeing the person I was back then compared to now, overwhelmed me with nostalgia. So many memories, places, events, experiences and so many people who have floated in and out of my life as I have theirs. I found myself wondering what they were doing now, were they happy or were they sad? How would our lives have eventuated if we had remained in contact? Would I have gone on to achieve the things that I did, or would life have taken me in a completely different direction? As you can probably tell, it stirred up a whole mixture of emotions.
I am a great believer in what will be will be and sometimes we have to let go of people in our lives in order to grow into our true selves. Not everyone is meant to be on our journey with us and that’s ok. If it’s meant to be, we will see each other again and if not, then life will put us on a new path and connect us with people who share similar values. Like attracts like after all.
Perhaps having physical memories rather than just the memories in our mind, gives us relevance, proof that we existed, that our lives had meaning and purpose and love. Because what is life without meaning?
Watching the news coverage of the fires in LA, I find it hard not to feel absolute horror and empathy for the residents affected. Memories are priceless no matter who we are. A building isn’t just bricks and water. There are whole lives within those walls. When thinking about my own home – the term, ‘if these walls could talk’ springs to mind! This is the home where I peaked as a sex worker, where I had my heart broken, where I came close to suicide, where I got myself sober, where I purchased my first investment property and the home where I wrote my first book. That’s a lot of memories! I know that when I eventually leave, it will be very emotional like saying goodbye to a reliable and consistent old friend.
My heart goes out to all of those affected by the LA wildfires. One thing is for sure, when humans are faced with adversity in the extreme, the strength of the human spirit cannot be denied. Through the centuries, we have proved to be adaptable even when facing extraordinary challenges and this most recent, tragic event is no exception. From what I am seeing they are a determined community who are fully focused on helping their neighbours rebuild their lives, so that they can move on and create new memories to last a lifetime.