Editorial June

During a recent visit to my birth town, I became aware of the importance and worth of memories…

“Memories” are the thoughts, experiences, information, or events a person remembers from the past. These can be personal experiences, learned knowledge, emotions, or moments connected to people and places.

Travelling, for me, is a time to reflection: where I have been, where I am, and to continuously move forward and dream. Barbra Streisand song “Memory” remains one of my favourite melodies, as she captures not only emotion in words, but her voice transcends beyond the imagination.

I am increasingly grateful for the learned knowledge and personal experiences that have become resourceful and powerful tools in my memory bank. For the people who invested in me, for circumstances that forced me to a standstill, and for the open hearts of others that became a footrest during my wanderings. For emotional growth through demanding times, experiences, and people who were once part of my journey. Some of these situations came through decisions I made; others were life lessons not by choice… but still crucial for growth.

I have also come to understand that becoming trapped in past commemorations can blindside one to the wonder of the future. To acknowledge the pain and loss of people, the places that once held such fond memories but can no longer be visited, the rituals and ceremonies that are no longer part of the time ahead, and the sharing of understanding without words — just a presence, a touch, or eye contact.

This is where I am.
This is me living in the now…
Part memories, part future

“Perhaps the true purpose of memories is not to keep us living in the past, but to quietly guide us toward becoming who we were always meant to be.”