What is a Memory

“Memory is the faculty by which the brain encodes, stores, and retrieves information. It is a record of experience for guiding future action.

According to the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/memory), a definition for memory (although not the only one) is: “a particular act of recall or recollection” or “an image or impression of one that is remembered” or “the time within which past events can be or are remembered.”

No matter how you define the word memory, it is a powerful word. Memories are made up of moments, events, and experiences: our own personal moments and events, events that we witness in person, events read about in history books, things we see and hear through television, social media, and our own family and friends.

Memories evoke several emotions: joy, happiness, pleasure, delight, sadness, anger, disappointment, disbelief, pain…just to name a few.

No matter how they make us feel, memories stay with us. Retrieving and recalling a memory can influence how we think, feel, or perceive a present and future moment or experience. During difficult times, it’s easy to only think about the memories that caused us pain and suffering. It is important to embrace, reflect, and learn from these memories.

But we also have the ability to be aware, understand, and change how memories impact us. We have the capability to recall good memories that make us feel good, show us that we are loved, and that people really do care. This gives us strength and hope.

Here is my definition of a memory: Moments or several moments that bring us joy, challenge us, and give us strength. Experiences in our lives that help us understand, grow, reflect, and enjoy life.