Memories are something that can’t be taken away. They are a person’s real assets, the ones of true value. In our youth we don’t really pay much credence to this and channel all our energies chasing frivolous material possessions. But as we grow older and wiser, we embrace the fact that money or our standing in society isn’t everything. Memories, experiences, inter-personal relationships and the lessons learnt through life are our true worldly possessions.
In the twilight years of our lives, it is all but natural to want to relive those youthful days, filling our minds with all those beautiful memories of yore. All the things we did through the innocence of childhood, the rebellions of adolescence and the bohemian experiences of our early youth come rushing back, bringing a silent smile to our faces. One of the best periods in my life was no doubt be the carefree college days when life was a song and all I had to do was sing it!
Now that I’m overwhelmed with all these memories of a bygone era, I make it a point to attend high school and college reunions to meet friends, share memories, exchange laughs and catch up on the life that happened to us after we parted ways! We may have a tad too many greys in our hair now, but that doesn’t stop us from becoming kids all over again, especially in the eyes of teachers and professors who played a great role in getting us shipshape to meet the big bad world outside!
Something that I’ve always noticed during reunions is that it’s always the older batches that turn up in numbers and participate more enthusiastically. The more recent alumni have participation in single digit numbers and generally keep to themselves. It probably takes more time for the nostalgia to kick in to really miss those good ol’ days.
And, it’s not just about good times in school and college; there’s always a blush when we think about our first crush, our first date and probably our first real romance that didn’t really pan out! Now that I have the right partner, I find myself wanting to do things right and get them right this time round.
I remember a date that I had during my youth; the guy had chosen a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour as the venue for our first date. He was coming on a little too strong, sending all the wrong signals, all in an attempt to impress me. Needless to say, the date was a bad experience! Also the choice of a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise for a first date was a bit too much, something that should have ideally been a fourth or fifth date. All faults were rectified and the bad history put to rest when I had a perfect Sydney Harbour dinner cruise experience with my husband and we have been a regular since.
Now that I have the perfect partner, there is so much more that the world has to offer that we want to explore and discover. We want to fill our minds with memories and experiences. Yes, even if our minds are young, our bodies have aged, which is a major obstacle for many senior explorers. But I have to say, it’s all in the mind, age is just a number and don’t let it subdue your passions. Your partner is the pillar of strength and together you can scale heights, supporting each other through thick and thin.
Life isn’t about existing, life is about living. Live each day as if it’s your last. Don’t let anything stand in your way. Explore and see the world. Get out and seek new thrills!