Summer Reimagined: Prioritizing Memories

Living in the moment is something that I believe everyone deals with, and this Summer Reimagined series has allowed us to acknowledge aspects of summer that we can shape into something better. In ways that make us more present, joyful, and accepting of whatever happens.

This week on the series, we are going to dive into how to navigate the act of prioritizing memories. That the memories are what exist when summer is over, not the Instagram photos, or the pleasing commentary at dinner parties, but the moments that allow us to travel back to where we once were.

It has became the norm for us to experience something halfway, to worry about what others might think, or to appear picture-perfect. In reality that is us prioritizing others, false expectations, and societal norms. I know life is too short for that. People die, tragedies happen, and relationships fail. There is no time to waste on misplaced priorities. I hope this post encourages you.

Lack of Prioritizing Memories

It's beneficial to consider what happens when we don't prioritize the memories. What does life look like? How do we overlook the blockbuster moments? When we are focused on everything else besides the present experience of making life-changing memories we miss those opportunities.

We let fear, anxiety, distractions, and miscommunications cloud what we want to feel or need to feel. Our minds and perspectives shift to what is society's norms or expectations of ourselves, rather than just being who we are despite the faults. It can be powerful to dismiss this perspective if we choose to address it, I just believe many people pretend this idea doesn't exist.

Every summer things such as the "perfect" summer body, productive fun, and an overly active social life are what are displayed on thousands of people's social media profiles. In reality, these areas of focus can be mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically draining. Body standards lead to eating disorders, vacations lead to organized chaos, and coffee dates lead to unwanted conversations. We tend to invest in things that maybe we don't even want just for the sake of what seems "right" and I think this summer is the time to stop.

Start Prioritizing Memories

I hope that by encouraging this dismissal of societal ways, we can be genuine and authentic. That we can laugh without fear of being silenced, that our sunburns can shine bright in family photos, and we feel no shame for eating the same food for the fourth day in a row.

When making memories is our priority, all of the tedious details seem to fade away. We don't remember how many likes our vacay post got or if the other beach goers will notice our bathing suit. Instead we remember how we fell asleep on the balcony, how we made friends with a stranger, and how we tripped in a hole. The memories become our priority because one day that will be all you might have of a person, place, or circumstance.

I have learned to value details of memories in the most vivid ways, that's not for others, but for me. Not only does it enhance life, but it helps you be present, real, and filled with joy for life. When you let go of all the other aspects of life that hold you back such as the imperfections or worries we have talked of in past weeks, you can reimagine your future.

This Summer....

I encourage you to take time this summer to prioritize memories - past, present, and future. Don't let people take away your potential joy and peace. Don't let others write your story. We are intended to be bold in our beliefs and to prioritize what is best for ourselves, and I hope this enlightens you this summer.

If you have a favorite summer memory you would like to share, comment down below! I would love to hear how it shaped you! I can't wait to finish out our Summer Reimagined series next week, talk to you then!

-Kami