How to Make Memories Last Without Keeping a Journal

When we think of our favorite memories, we relate to the feelings of those events. The joy of all sixteen candles being blown out. The affection during the intimate ceremony. The mixture of well wishes and sadness as a beloved checks in with a one-way ticket. We remember those moments.

But what about the details? More often than not, we know the general parts but eventually forget the specifics as time grows between.

I remember enjoying every minute of my freshman year in high school. But over ten years later, I struggle to recall what happened during that time. My bestie (without knowing) made sure I’d never forget—through her letters. Some were formal. Others, informal. But the point is she wrote them down.

Etched in Forever

10 ~ 30 mins.

In order to make memories last, we don’t necessarily need to keep a journal. Instead, keeping a memory for ourselves takes only two steps and one bonus addition to seal it for eternity—mapping, narrating, and pasting.

Step 1: Map

Mapping creates a visual of the event’s “senses”—the details linked with the emotions. You’ll need an entire sheet of paper, or you can print out this free template. You can also do this on a tablet using apps like Tayasui Sketches or Penultimate (both for free on the iPad!) or online like WiseMapping (also free!).

Start with the event in the center. Then draw one branch for each of the emotions you felt. From each emotion, branch out with details that made you feel that way. When the curtains started to part, you felt excited for the performance. What color were the curtains? Did they whir or swoosh as they opened?

No matter how “insignificant” the detail, write. It. Down! The fuller the page, the better! Once you have as many details as possible, sprint to the meat of this activity.

Step 2: Narrate

Narrating is where keeping the memory happens. This can take many forms. A letter to the loved one that you shared this memory with (make a copy for yourself). A short story to post on your blog. A poem in a personal notebook. In whatever way you decide to memorialize, make sure you can go back to it in the future.

Elaborate on the words in your mind map. If you included the word cold, add more depth to the experience with chilly or frigid. Throw grammar out the window! Write freely to relive the memory in your mind’s eye. Once every ounce of the memory is squeezed onto the page, you can either finish there or include a little more character.

Bonus Step: Paste

Like a scrapbook, you might choose to include a visual aspect. A card with a message from a special someone. Pressed flowers from a corsage (yay, prom!). A plane ticket. Photographs that were taken at the event. If you have artistic abilities, a drawing that represents the activity. Or if plain text suits your fancy, allow the words to paint the picture.

You can make this project as complex or as simple as you’d like. These are your memories to keep. Whenever an event strikes you as poignant, keep it quickly so the details are fresh like new leaves in the spring. Happy memory keeping, lovelies!