Preserving Your Past

Preserving your past is important so you know where you came from. When your children ask you about how you and your spouse met, you can tell them and show them because you have saved photos, videos, mementos, or other sentimental items. There are many questions to ask ourselves so we can make sure we have enough saved, so when we get old we can still remember our past.

A time capsule is a great idea for preserving your past. Do you remember possibly making a time capsule in first grade, then opening it years later? What all was in it? What kind of feelings and memories did it stir up when you opened your time capsule? A time capsule can tell a lot about where you came from and about your family.

• Have you ever moved in the past?
• Talk about your family? How long have your parents been married? Where did/do they work? How many siblings do you have? Do you get along?
• What information can you share about school? What were your grades like? What activities were you involved in? Did you go to college? What degrees did you receive?
• What did you want to be when you were younger?
• What are some of your regrets?
• Share what is on your bucket list? What all have you completed already?
• What was your first apartment like? What was it like to live on your own?
• What was your first meal you made on your own?
• What were some of your favorite pets growing up? Why?

Stories about our past involves many milestone moments. These times are important to share with your children and grandchildren, so they can learn your wisdom. Fill out a “Message to the Future” letter offering advice, insight, and predictions about the future for one of your new babies or grandchildren and save it in a Baby Time Capsule as seen here.

After working in counseling for about four years, it was interesting to hear many stories of all different kinds of people. Sometimes we do not understand what is happening to us when we are going through difficult times. Sometimes you will not understand why one door was closed and another door open, until several years later. This is why we challenge you to journal your weekly life, even if it is only a few words on a page to sum up your week. This will be interesting to read 20 years later, as you are preserving your past, and read what life was like for you when you were a kid or teenager.

You can even share some of these fun answers on a first date, when it feels awkward, and you do not know what to talk about. Sharing stories and preserving your past can help build relationships and increase bonding moments with others. It can give us common ground with others. You will not know how similar you are with someone until you start sharing your stories. This is what I find so fun about meeting new people. Preserving your past and sharing stories with others or your future great grandchildren in the future, can provide a strong foundation for friendship bridging the generation gap.

Preserve these stories in a time capsule. Pass on messages of hope and inspiration to your future self. Open this time capsule 20 or 30 years later and see how far you have come and what all you have accomplished in life.  So, what other questions can you think of that tells what your past is all about? Comment below.

Making Milestone Moments Count,

– Marcie