I never had a "narrative" memory (who did what or said what, when), and only have some clarity from having to put together resumes, especially government resumes. Looking back now, I have dozens of iterations of "who I am" and maybe more. WTF! Who you believe you are is a negotiation between what "actually" happened and where you are now. Ultimately, you're never the same person even from moment to moment. It's disconcerting, when you notice it. Tapestry weaving may be similar. Or to quote Saroyan: "No foundation. No foundation all the way down the line."
Clint. The memory is a funny thing. Mine started acting up when I turned 40. That was the beginning of list making and then having to remember to look at the lists. I was teaching at the time. When I would be under pressure or overworked, my memory would act up. By now, 81, it has settled down. Lots of it I just let go because there is too much to try to remember. Also, I would guess I do not remember what I do not remember. (Cue your chuckle) Other things I try to remember, cannot, and announce to no one in particular, "Fuck It!" Also, that is one of the good things about writing memoirs, no one can falult you or accuse you for/of changing order of things and/or embellishing. adding to, taking away. Unless you lie commpletely, than it is fiction no longer creative non-fiction. So there. Fondly, Michael
Brian, you just answered your own question/s. I stopped carrying my baggage around a long time past. My deepest memories/history is carried in my head. No physical ephemera accompany me. The Ivory Tower appears sparse to some BUT I have lived a life on my own terms. No apologies offered or expected. As, and when it comes I want no grief, or funeral, just a wooden box on a simple Cremation Plan. No mourners but anyone who wants a 🍺🍺🍺 or two on my account will be welcome to it. Now if I had been a usual suspect I'm sure a fitting end game plan might have been a different thing. At my superior age I wouldn't think my status will be changing very soon 😏 You have probably seen the news of the Very high temperatures in the UK. We are not used to it!!! A good upside to it many a shirtless sports short wearing lad/bloke/dad can be seen 😯😎😎 So Cheers from a wilting DougT 🏴🇬🇧
There are decisions I’ve made in the past that I’m not proud of and wish I could forget. The memory of them sometimes comes back as an intrusive thought, right after (or in the middle of) something I enjoy.
I have learned to acknowledge, accept, and appreciate these memories because they serve as reminders that I shouldn’t repeat those choices, receipts that I have changed, and context for the journey I am on now.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and taking time to make this post today.
I never had a "narrative" memory (who did what or said what, when), and only have some clarity from having to put together resumes, especially government resumes. Looking back now, I have dozens of iterations of "who I am" and maybe more. WTF! Who you believe you are is a negotiation between what "actually" happened and where you are now. Ultimately, you're never the same person even from moment to moment. It's disconcerting, when you notice it. Tapestry weaving may be similar. Or to quote Saroyan: "No foundation. No foundation all the way down the line."
Clint. The memory is a funny thing. Mine started acting up when I turned 40. That was the beginning of list making and then having to remember to look at the lists. I was teaching at the time. When I would be under pressure or overworked, my memory would act up. By now, 81, it has settled down. Lots of it I just let go because there is too much to try to remember. Also, I would guess I do not remember what I do not remember. (Cue your chuckle) Other things I try to remember, cannot, and announce to no one in particular, "Fuck It!" Also, that is one of the good things about writing memoirs, no one can falult you or accuse you for/of changing order of things and/or embellishing. adding to, taking away. Unless you lie commpletely, than it is fiction no longer creative non-fiction. So there. Fondly, Michael
https://youtu.be/wC9TvCcH0WE?is=473dFV_35lbTSV1P
And another
https://youtu.be/wC9TvCcH0WE?is=473dFV_35lbTSV1P
Just to brighten the day, Sitges a European 🌈 destination
Brian, you just answered your own question/s. I stopped carrying my baggage around a long time past. My deepest memories/history is carried in my head. No physical ephemera accompany me. The Ivory Tower appears sparse to some BUT I have lived a life on my own terms. No apologies offered or expected. As, and when it comes I want no grief, or funeral, just a wooden box on a simple Cremation Plan. No mourners but anyone who wants a 🍺🍺🍺 or two on my account will be welcome to it. Now if I had been a usual suspect I'm sure a fitting end game plan might have been a different thing. At my superior age I wouldn't think my status will be changing very soon 😏 You have probably seen the news of the Very high temperatures in the UK. We are not used to it!!! A good upside to it many a shirtless sports short wearing lad/bloke/dad can be seen 😯😎😎 So Cheers from a wilting DougT 🏴🇬🇧
There are decisions I’ve made in the past that I’m not proud of and wish I could forget. The memory of them sometimes comes back as an intrusive thought, right after (or in the middle of) something I enjoy.
I have learned to acknowledge, accept, and appreciate these memories because they serve as reminders that I shouldn’t repeat those choices, receipts that I have changed, and context for the journey I am on now.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and taking time to make this post today.
I’m cheering you on!!!
Jim 🫂🫂 Cheers DougT