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Good memories5/30/2023 ![]() ![]() Many researchers divide long-term memory into two subcategories: implicit and explicit. Most memories that people recall, especially those older than about 30 seconds, are part of long-term memory. Then, you can take this to the next level and visualize these feelings and needs in the Life Timeline.Īs you move forward this month, notice which emotions are stirred up, because the present is simultaneously the past in the making and a chance to design the future.Long-term memory stores a wide range of memories and experiences. The first step at working through these knots is identifying the common threads as revealed by your emotions since what you FEEL reveals what you NEED. What are some stubborn patterns in your life that seem to repeat against your will? What do you need to do to get unstuck? Now that you know what you know about yourself, what would you like to do differently going forward? Keep the same? The Top 10 List gives you a bird's eye view of your life so that, informed by your life narrative, you can intentionally weave the future in alignment with your wants and needs. Do these themes trigger you emotionally? For example, if many of your worst memories tie in with you failing, it wouldn’t be surprising that the fear of disappointing others still has a strong presence in your life today in your professional life, personal relationships, etc. ![]() Now, think about how these emotions and themes carry into the present. What are some familiar patterns you’ve found yourself in? (e.g., friendship fallouts, loneliness, thwarted projects) What did you need that you didn’t get? (e.g., comfort, rest, friendship) What are the negative emotions (e.g., failure, shame, guilt)? What are the positive emotions (e.g., pride, belonging, connection)? What seems to matter the most to you? (e.g., success, relationships, money, self-reliance)Īre there common emotions associated with these memories? What themes stand out? (e.g., “Even if I mess up, someone always has my back.”) ![]() You can jot these memories in a notebook or use the downloadable PDF chart. Give yourself enough time to explore your positive and negative emotions. These memories might be about connection, breakups, leisure, achievements, loss, disappointments, etc. Look at the example chart below to help jumpstart your own Top 10 lists. ![]() No need to write an essay about each memory - we only need a Table of Contents for your life to use as a reference guide. Jot just a line or two-enough for you to understand what the memory is-and list the age that this memory occurred. On the left side, list your Top 10 Best Memories on the right side, list your Top 10 Worst Memories. Once you’ve written out what may seem like independent, unrelated events on a single sheet of paper, you may be able to better see the common threads that are still being woven today, whether you like it or not.įor this activity, divide a lined piece of paper into two columns. Odds are that many of your best memories and worst memories have similar underlying currents that still affect your emotions and relationships in present day. The purpose of the Top 10 List is to view these memories as part of a whole rather than random, isolated moments in our lives. Memories build into the fabric of our lives, and while we likely interpret memories as “ good” or “ bad,” we are not always able to identify the themes behind those memories and discover which events could be causing trauma, anxiety, or other difficult emotions. Key moments and memories from years (even decades ago) can still influence our emotions, relationships, and self-esteem today. ![]()
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