Creating Memories
This fall season has been flying by and I don’t want you or me to miss any ounce of it. This post is about soaking up the good vibes of fall.
I love fall with my whole heart. The coziness and warmth that it gives off is just superior. Fall can get really busy and it is easy to let it go right past you. It is also easy to wait for memories and fun to come right to you, but that isn’t always going to happen. Sometimes, you have to make the effort to create memories. Plan things, decorate, cook, etc.
As I have been talking to friends, I have realized that many people don’t love Thanksgiving and fall as much as I do because they aren’t creating positive memories for themselves. Fall offers a host of different activities and flavor profiles that we can play around with. For example, the weather is perfect in many places whether it is snowing or sunny. If you live in a warmer climate, now is the time to go to the farmer’s market, go biking, do outdoor activities, tan, have an outdoor picnic, walk on the beach, etc. If you live in a colder climate you could go hiking, play in the leaves, get hot apple cider, walk around the town, etc. No matter where you are you can go to a pumpkin patch or go shopping for seasonal items. During the fall season I love going to Trader Joe’s even if I’m not buying anything. Looking at all of the fun holiday items and decorations makes me excited. However, it can also be fun to have a fall day/night with friends, family, or solo. If you don’t feel like cooking a whole meal, grab some of the delicious fall frozen meals that you can easily pop in the oven and enjoy. A few weeks ago I had the apple tart from Trader Joe’s and it was so scrumptious I was actually shocked.
In line with my post from last week, to create memories you need to say “yes” to things even when it feels uncomfortable. Seek fun and friends out instead of waiting for them to magically appear. I know it is way easier said than done, but we need to stop caring what other people think so much so that it consumes our lives and takes away enjoyment of special times. Let the opinions of others float away. My advice to do this is remind yourself of who you are and why you are here. We are not here to impress others, live the same life as another person, or live our lives for someone else. We are here to do us in the best, most authentic way possible. When you follow your heart and what you really want to do instead of what you think you should be doing or what you think others want you to do, this is when you create memories of a lifetime. Memories don’t have to be extravagant they can be something as simple as going to breakfast with a friend, tanning on the beach, getting a pumpkin spice latte, etc. You create a memory.
Follow your creativity. I believe that everyone has a creative side. We may not all have the same version of creativity, but we all have that side. For my brother it is his art, creative writing, and ability to use technology. For me it is writing posts, creating meals, making goals. For my sister it is through hair, makeup, art. As you can see there is a form of creativity for everyone. Find something that aligns with your creative side and go after it. Maybe that means making your own 5k or triathlon that you complete one day or getting friends together and making a Friendsgiving. Instead of saying that nothing suits you, find what suits you. Use your version of creativity to create something fun for yourself.
Get involved!!! I cannot stress this enough. It is easy to sit back and do nothing, but as soon as you get involved life becomes so much more exciting. Be in the process instead of standing on the sidelines. On Thanksgiving day you could do nothing all day (which is perfectly ok if that is what you want to do) or you could join the conversation or the making of food with friends and family. Thanksgiving is about being with the people you love and being thankful, so go spend time with those people. I get involved by planning the food and cooking a million dishes. I love to make the classic dishes we always make and also add new things into the mix. When searching out new recipes I go through magazines, websites, Instagram, Pinterest and just have fun. Even if I don’t find anything to make, it is still fun to look and brainstorm. I also get involved by running a 5k on Thanksgiving day each year however, this year my family and I are going to do yoga together and then possibly take a walk. Whatever the activity, I try to be with family and get outside.
You have to recognize and reflect to remember. To begin, you need to be in the moment as it is. The feeling of being content is one of the best feelings ever; it feels like a hug is radiating throughout your body. This only occurs if you are fully present. Once you are present, content, and joyful then you need to recognize this feeling of utter happiness. Know that in this moment everything is beautiful and all is right, even if it is just for a second. Let the serenity grace the environment you are in. Continue on with your activity or whatever is occurring and stay present and having fun. Then, the next day or later that day, reflect. Reflect on the pleasure you felt and the moment you experienced and this will become a memory.
Be ok with failure and trying something new. I know I recently wrote about this, but I want to talk about it in the context of fall activities. So what you don’t know how to cook or bake? If it sounds fun, then give it a try. You don’t have to be good at something to do it. Maybe you want to start painting, but have been too scared, well there is no time like the present. Grab a paint brush, some paper, and turn on some jams.
My yoga and philosophy guru from Bali recently posted a picture that said, “people who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss the point. The glass is refillable.” Refill your glass and make memories.