Memories are so important to me. Making them and, even more so, keeping hold of them. Five years ago my granddad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It’s been three years since he recognised anyone.
I don’t know whether it runs in our family and I’m not sure whether I’d want to find out. Whilst I’d like to know to sort out financials in later life, if I knew at this stage it would put an end to me wanting a family. What I do know is this – I’ll do anything to keep my brain ticking. I do daily memory exercises, take recommended supplements, try and force down oily-fish (or cod liver oil capsules). And I document my life.
Sometimes people get annoyed when I take my camera everywhere. Yes, most days out are an opportunity to blog, but it means so much more than that. Photos are visual reminders are what we got up to, and I find these bring back stronger recollections than just thoughts. Trying to balance living my life myself verus through a lens can get difficult, but I know in a few years I’ll look back grateful at all these photographs.
Writing in my One Line A Day diary helps too. Short sentences means I’ll actually keep up with it, and reading back means the lack of detail works the brain muscles as I try to remember. I only wish I’d started this sooner! I’ll be 26 when I finish it (scary thought) and I’m looking forward to seeing how my life changes in the next five years.
I don’t want to forget the picnic me and W had the weekend before we parted ways to separte university. I want to remember how snuggly Tee-J is when he is sleepy. I want to remember how stunning Edinburgh is, how much I love Brighton, how yummy Wahaca is. I want to remember how W sticks his tongue out at me every time he meets me off my train on a Friday night (and probably at my back as I leave on a Sunday). I don’t want to forget the sights I’ve seen, how my sister has grown into a friend, even the teen arguments I had with my mom.
I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next five years. Probably marriage, possibly even (though more unlikely!) children. I don’t know where I’ll be in the future. But however my life changes, I’ll be glad of the memories I’m making and the steps I’m taking to preserve them.
Do you try and document more of your life, or do you live in the moment?