Unleash the Power of Positive Memories in Your Life

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the power of positive memories. As I write this post in October 2020, we are still in the grips of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic and its effects are lasting much longer than we ever anticipated. Some things are returning to a “new normal” in places, but the fight is far from over.

One thing that has sustained me during this time is remembering the good times I have had with my family in the past. I get to do this often while working on posts for Trip Reporter that I hope will inspire your travel dreams!

When I am feeling especially discouraged or unmotivated or anxious, remembering specific good times I’ve had can really make a difference in my mood and attitude.

Here are some of my happy memories:

Try it For Yourself

Of course your good memories will be different than mine, but I know that you have them! If it’s hard to think of one right now, then it’s even more important for you to do so.

Take a minute to think about a specific good memory that you have, really remember the experience, and notice how you feel.

Any different? Maybe. But if not, don’t give up! Of course it’s not a magic fix for every ill, but I have definitely felt a difference in my overall frame of mind when I take time often to remember good times that I’ve had.

I recently read this insightful article and am learning for myself that it is so true. Here is a favorite excerpt:

“We know from a large body of research that people derive more happiness from experiential purchases — travel, meals out, concerts — than they do from clothing or electronic goods or material possessions,” says Amit Kumar, an assistant professor of marketing and psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.

Kumar says memories of novel and happy experiences — especially ones that involve social interaction — seem to benefit people because they reshape how we see ourselves for the better. “Experiences live on in our memories and in the stories we tell ourselves and other people,” he explains. Recalling positive experiences also naturally kindles feelings of gratitude, he adds.

All this research suggests that a happy, mentally healthy brain is one that regularly recalls moments that inspire positivity and feelings of gratitude. Especially during times of stress or sadness, redirecting one’s thoughts to better times or memories of gratifying experiences may prove to be a powerful safeguard against anxiety and depression.

The Power of Positive Memories by Markham Heid

My goal on Trip Reporter is to inspire you, to give you ideas, to help you see what is possible for you and your family. I hope you will use the posts for inspiration then go out and create wonderful memories with your own families. (Of course, travel is just one way to create wonderful memories; it just happens to be one of my favorites!)

And I encourage you to record those memories for yourself so you can look back on them and unleash the power of positive memories into your life!

I hope you thought of at least one of your own positive memories as you read through this post. I would love to hear about it in the comments below!