Memory Appreciation

Have you ever had a work day where everything was just MEH? And had a touch of cranky just to top it all off? That was me a few weeks ago. What I do for work involves me having to be fairly pleasant (even when I’m not feeling it), so I was exhausted and not feeling so great when I got home. At the same time, I was telling myself to get a grip – why was I feeling this way??

And then I had an epiphany. For almost the last decade, usually around summer time, I’ve either been getting ready for a big trip or have gotten to my destination. For practical reasons, I chose to not do a big trip this year. But who cares about common sense and replenishing the coffers when Facebook reminds you that you were paddleboarding in the Alps with your fabulous friend, Theresa, last July, right?

But then I, again, thought “get a grip” (and hello, first world problem); because you know what? I might not be travelling right now, but I’ve been getting to do all kinds of fun things in my own backyard. With really amazing people I’m very lucky to have in my life.

As a society, I feel that we spend so much time wishing we were doing something we think might be better or being somewhere else. It’s advertised to us on TV, our phones, the Internet that there’s always something better…  But really, the good stuff is right here, right now.

So when Facebook reminded me this morning that, two years ago today, I woke up at 3am to catch a very early flight to start of just over two months of travel (and what turned out to be some very big changes in my life), I decided to appreciate the memory, and focus on staying present.

Because today, I am going on a road trip to Mt. St Helens. An active(!) volcano, which last erupted quite spectacularly in 1980. Pretty damn cool and very exciting for my secretly geeky soul… And when Facebook reminds me of the memory next year, I will move on with my day with a smile on my face.

~

Speaking of memories, today is also World Photo Day. We’ve been taking pictures for 177 years! I wonder what Louis Daguerre would think of the whole selfie thing…

In honour of the public unveiling of the first photo 177 years ago, a “daguerreotype” of the most handsome lunch date a girl could have, my dog nephew, Charlie (#YaletownCharlie).

Happy Friday, everyone! Go make some memories.

Life is like a camera, just focus on what’s important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don’t work out, just take another shot. ~ Unknown