Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever...
~ Gandhi

An ode to memories.

I was recently called a packrat by my significant other and was wrestling with an explanation of how I am not. I came to find that I am sort of a packrat, but I like to call it "preserving the past." I store papers, notes (from myself and others), etc...

I feel as though if I didn't keep these things that when I am a 65 year old man that is questioning his value in the world, approaching death, that I could have reminders of the past in various forms (digital, tangible, etc.).

After reflecting on this, I found a potential "New Year's Resolution." I feel if I were to focus on the present while embracing the future, and cherish the past in moderation, I should feel more optimistic. Not to say that I'm grounded in pessimism, but if the mind is stuck trying to preserve ALL of the past's memories then one will suffer. It is impossible not to be affected by suffering when reflecting on cherished memories of the past because anything, any moment, anyone that you can't revisit will only bring about sadness.

Since everything is impermanent, we must enjoy life as it flows and reflect on the past in moderation. The future will be bright and the past is already missed, but right now is the only place we can be, therefore it is what we should pay the most attention to. Obviously this is easy to say and hard to practice. That is why it is this year's resolution...