Memory plays a vital role to our existence, providing a framework between our past and present that affects our future. If we want to move forward we then need to process our past, sometimes it’s just not something you can forget. Other times it’s childhood memories that we cling to and affect our relationships later on in life.
Some say “ If we don’t have any episodic memories of past events, then we have nothing to use to help us imagine possible future scenarios.” [1] According to Google memory “allows individuals to navigate the present and prepare for the future by drawing on past experiences.” [2]
Your memory defines who you are. It helps you to evaluate current choices and develop creative solutions for your problems in life. With memory we can build on existing knowledge and keep learning as we go. There’s no limit to what you can remember it’s about whether or not you’re willing to put the effort in. Memories can also benefit our mental health whereby “recalling positive memories can act as a “mood enhancer,” disrupting negative thought patterns and lowering stress levels.” [3] Mental health and memory are interconnected. It improves cognitive function and prevents cognitive decline. The more we can regulate our emotions the healthier and happier we will be, and that emotional regulation is due in part to our focus and self esteem which can improve by enhancing our abilities to remember and learn skills to strengthen our resiliency to outside pressures and anxiety about the future. [4]
References:
[1] https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/memory-and-the-benefits-of-forgetting/
[2] https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/memory-and-the-benefits-of-forgetting/
[3] the benefits of memory – Google Search
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