Life: Memories

Memories.

Over time, we forget, we move on, we create new memories, and we live life. But it takes the smallest things to bring the past back to life, to remember that which we forgot. A simple song, smell, emotion, or familiar sight, can bring everything back.

Your memories are not photographs, they do not stay exactly as you remember, they do not capture that exact moment, they are not indisputable. Memories allow you to explore what happened, how you felt, allow you to relive a moment. Linked with strong emotions, memories can bring smiles, or tears to your face.

To relive a memory is to allow yourself to feel the same way you did in the past. A hatred, or a love, an annoyance, or an enjoyment, memories can truly make us feel as if the past is truly coming back to life. A true memory, a worthy memory of contemplation, is rarely ever lost in your mind, unless intentionally buried. A past love, a past friend, a past life, a different life. We not only relive memories, but also bury them. We bury these because they are too strong, too emotive, too influential. A memory which feels so real, a true experience, which reminds your present self that this is no longer reality, and no longer in existence. 

Although it indeed is such a powerful memory, these memories are reminders of things that no longer exist, this in turn brings not only the relived memories and emotions, but also new emotions of regret, pain, suffering, and shame.

A memory that takes years to bury, can be revived within a second by the right stimulus. Suddenly, everything you tried to forget, the past memory too good to keep, suddenly relived within a second. A sudden surge of emotions, both good and bad, running through your mind. Whole experiences which add up to years, can be relived in a minute.

To cherish a memory, or to bury one, memories are our experiences, our life. If the past was only a wish away, we would all live in the past. The new is exciting, but scary. Whilst the old, is familiar, and expected. If I were to be completely honest, I would wish for the past, to live in the past, it was the glory days, the best days of my life. But this is not the case, it is no longer a reality, I cannot return to that of which is no longer in existence, but can only reflect on the memories of the past.

I wish I could be there, a year ago. I wish things didn't change, I wish I didn't have to deal with the pressure of constant change, constant self-improvement. But alas, I have no choice but to soldier on. It is the only option.

The past I can longer have.

The past is only relived through memories.

These moments are relived with both the good, and the bad.

We can only hope to adapt, change, and further our lives in our greatest capability. With new days, unexpected futures, and our knowledge of the past.

We must move on.

Andreeliu.