Creating Memories & Being in the Moment

Brianna Neal, MSW, LSW, Care Services Coordinator – Social Worker, ALS United Greater Chicago

There are many things that we experience in life that can make us stray away from what is important. For some those things may be the stress of work, trying to balance home, relationships, hardships, and raising children etc. It is extremely important to live by the saying “water whatever it is you want and watch it grow.” This applies to the things stated above but most importantly our way of thinking; our mental state plays a pivotal role in our present happiness.

Creating memories is not just an imperative thing to do for those battling an illness. It is just as essential for those who do not have an illness. We do not get a handbook on this thing called life; and if we allow it to make us focus on the things that are not important then we lose focus of the precious moments spent with those we love.

The most beautiful thing about pictures is the way it allows us to freeze in the moment. I challenge you to look back on one of your favorite pictures, it can be with family, friends, or even co-workers. In that picture you will be able to see the monumental impact that was shared amongst everyone gathered in it.

ALS along with other terminal illnesses can make our thinking race ahead of time of what we will miss; but it cannot take away from the precious moments we did not miss; as well as the ones we can still create.

According to Meik Wiking “creating memories are essential to our mental health.” Remembering that you oversee your thoughts and staying in the present is a key factor to fostering and creating your memories. Below you will be able to see a few things that you can do to create memories with those you love. 

  Ways to Create Memories: 

• Build “episodic” memories that include all five senses 
• Do something new 
• Have a family/Friend’s night and take pictures using a Polaroid camera 
• Have a scrapbook party. Have everyone create a scrapbook with pictures from the above gathering.
• Celebrate small wins and accomplishments
• Record stories for your loved ones
• Create a new tradition