FOLLOW YOUR NOSE DOWN MEMORY LANE

Sometimes, you get messages from various sources. When you get the message consistently, you have to stop and reflect on what lesson the Universe is conveying. Today was such a day.

First, LEANJEAN posted a beautiful blog about her memories of her grandparents and parents, and talked about the laughter that surrounded her childhood.

Then I got an email about following your nose down memory lane:

How to do it

Think about a smell or taste that has a happy personal memory for you. Maybe it's the taste of watermelon candies, or the smell of fresh-cut grass? If the smell or taste is something you can easily re-create, then find a way to do it today. If it isn't easy to re-create, try to relive it in your mind by recalling as many details of the experience as you can.
Why it matters

Smell and taste trigger our earliest and strongest memories! When you re-live a happy memory, it can actually make you feel happy, thanks to the tight link that our brains create between emotions and memory. And quieting the mind to let memories surface also creates the same effects as meditation: you'll likely reduce your blood pressure and take deeper breaths.
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Then I got a text message from a soon to be Step granddaughter. She was sad because it is the one year anniversary of her favorite cousin. She was reaching out for comfort and assurance. My reply was too feel the feeling and to share this little clip;


I have been reading others blogs about gratitude, and the culmination of today's input is I am starting my own gratitude journal.

#1 Today I am grateful for the memories of the people who have been in my life, who cared for me and became a part of who I am.

Some are no longer with me: My step-father, my two youngest sisters, my brother, my grandparents, my friends, some beloved pets. It is hard to say goodbye, but because of those sad times, I am a stronger person. The passing of loved ones in never easy and a piece of my heart died with them. But my heart expanded, and made room for more. As I begin my blogging experience, I am devoting a blog to each one. Not in a Debbie down way, to to share the joy they brought into my life.


Peace and blessings to you all!