Eliza Hartley
Who doesn’t want a life filled with fantastic memories, right?
But ever noticed how some people seem to have an album full of amazing memories as they grow older?
Well, they’re not magicians, trust us.
They just happen to follow certain habits that help them create and hold onto these wonderful moments.
So, what are these habits exactly? And how can you make them part of your life to create your own awesome memories?
That’s what we’re about to discover in this article!
We’ve got 10 solid habits to share with you.
Each one is simple, practical and something you can start doing right now.
1) Embrace the present
We often get so caught up in our daily routines and future plans that we forget to live in the moment.
But here’s the thing – life is happening right now, in this very moment.
And it’s these little moments that add up to create fantastic memories.
So, make it a habit to really be present in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s a simple dinner with your family or a walk in the park.
Notice the world around you, the sounds, the colors, the people. Be there with all your senses.
This is your life happening – don’t just let it pass by unnoticed.
2) Keep a gratitude journal
You might think, “What does a gratitude journal have to do with creating memories?” Well, quite a lot, actually!
A gratitude journal isn’t just about noting down things you’re thankful for.
It’s also a great way to capture and remember the good moments in life.
The taste of your favorite ice cream, the smell of fresh flowers, or the laughter shared with a friend – these small joys are worth remembering.
Make it a habit to write in your gratitude journal every day.
As you jot down these moments, you’re consciously creating beautiful memories that you can look back on.
Plus, it’s a great way to end your day on a positive note.
Remember, it’s the little things in life that make up the bigger picture.
So, start noting them down and watch your collection of wonderful memories grow!
3) Cultivate relationships
When I look back on my favorite memories, there’s one thing they all have in common – they involve the people I love.
There’s no denying that our relationships play a huge role in the memories we create.
Let me share a personal story.
A few years back, I started making it a point to spend quality time with my friends and family.
This meant turning off the TV, putting away my phone, and really engaging with them.
We would have game nights, go on weekend trips, or sometimes just sit around and chat.
And you know what? These moments became some of the best memories I have.
It wasn’t about grand gestures or expensive gifts. It was about investing time and effort in the people I care about.
4) Stay curious
Curiosity leads to amazing memories.
When you’re curious, you explore new places, try new things, and meet different people.
You end up doing things you’d never have done otherwise, and these unique experiences often turn into unforgettable memories.
So, make it a habit to nurture your curiosity.
Read about different cultures, learn a new skill, ask questions, and seek out new experiences.
Keep that sense of wonder alive and watch as your life fills up with awesome memories!
5) Practice forgiveness
Forgiveness can be a tough habit to cultivate, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Holding onto grudges and past hurts only clouds our present, making it difficult for us to create happy memories.
Life is too short to hold onto anger and resentment.
When we choose to forgive, we’re not only freeing the other person from our judgement, but we’re also freeing ourselves from carrying that unnecessary burden.
Make it a habit to practice forgiveness.
It doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing the harm done to you.
It simply means letting go of the resentment. It’s about choosing peace over bitterness.
6) Travel more
I’ve always believed in the saying, “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer,” and my personal experiences have only strengthened this belief.
A few years ago, I made a decision to prioritize travel.
I saved up, planned my trips, and set off to explore new places.
Each journey was a treasure trove of memories.
The awe-inspiring sunrise over the Grand Canyon, the peaceful beaches of Bali – each experience was unique and memorable.
But it wasn’t just about the places. It was about pushing my boundaries, meeting new people, and discovering different cultures.
Each trip made me grow as a person and left me with a wealth of unforgettable memories.
7) Learn to say ‘yes’
Let’s be brutally honest here.
We’ve all been guilty of saying ‘no’ to opportunities because they were out of our comfort zone or because we were too scared of what could go wrong.
Saying ‘yes’ can open doors to experiences we never thought we’d have.
I’m not saying you should say ‘yes’ to everything.
That would be unrealistic and potentially exhausting.
But make it a habit to say ‘yes’ more than ‘no’, especially to things that scare you a little.
Remember, it’s often the things that scare us that end up being the most memorable and rewarding.
So, take a deep breath, muster up the courage and just say ‘yes’.
You never know what amazing memories might be waiting for you on the other side of it.
8) Stay physically active
When you’re physically active, you’re not just improving your health; you’re also creating opportunities for memorable experiences.
Think about it – the thrill of finishing your first marathon, the joy of weekly dance classes, or the camaraderie of a community sports team.
These are all experiences that can create lasting, positive memories.
It doesn’t have to be anything intense or ambitious.
Even a daily walk in the park or a quick yoga session can do wonders.
9) Stop sweating the small stuff
Life is filled with irritations and inconveniences.
The traffic jam that made you late, the rude waiter at the restaurant, the friend who cancelled plans last minute – the list is endless.
But constantly sweating over these small things robs us of our joy and our ability to create happy memories.
Yes, it’s easier said than done.
We’re all human and it’s natural to feel annoyed or upset when things don’t go our way.
But make it a habit to let go of these minor irritations.
Ask yourself, “Will this matter a year from now?” If the answer is no, take a deep breath and let it go.
10) Take care of your mental health
Our mental health plays a crucial role in our ability to create and retain memories.
Stress, anxiety, depression – these mental health issues can cloud our perception and make it harder to recall positive experiences.
Take care of your mental health. Seek help when you need it.
Talk about your feelings.
It’s not weak to admit that you’re struggling; it’s brave. You’re not alone in this battle.
Remember, a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.
When you take care of your mental health, you’re setting yourself up for a happier life filled with beautiful memories.
And there it is
The most honest advice I can give? Live authentically.
Pretending to be someone you’re not or suppressing your true desires isn’t going to lead to genuine, joyful memories.
Live your truth. Embrace your quirks, follow your passion, express your feelings.
It might not always be easy, but the peace and freedom that comes with living authentically is worth it.
Remember, at the end of the day, it’s your life.
Make sure it’s one that you’re proud of and filled with memories that are truly yours.
