The other day while I was doing the dishes, I had a realization about myself. I don't know why this came while I was doing dishes; it just did. It's not too deep, it's just this: I treasure and dwell on memories, a LOT.I don't know how many times a day I'll encounter a place or a smell or just a thought that will remind me of a memory from the past, and I usually like to stay and revel in it if only for a moment.
But as much as living in the past can be my tendency, I'm learning to cherish the moment right now. As YOLO-ish as that sounds, it's how we need to live. If you don't, sometime you'll look back and find that you spent all your time looking back.
Upon some introspection, I realize that the thought of living RIGHT NOW and making new memories scares me. Really, it's more a fear of the unknown that scares me. The unknown sounds like it could be an adventure and that's exciting sometimes. But sometimes, adventures are frightening and tiring things. It's much easier to just dwell on memories rather than making new ones.But goodness, are the new ones worth it? Undeniably.
I am really thankful for old memories because for the most part, the more time they spend in my mind, the sweeter they become. I'm pretty awed at the fact that a human mind is able to retain a recollection of the past and that it can be such a precious thing. But I am also thankful for the freedom and the opportunity to make new, sweet memories to accompany the old ones. I'm thankful that I know it'll be worth it to make extraordinary, crazy, amazing new ones.