I was like, Damn, I just occupied the same space as Michio Kaku doing physics.
Later that evening, our paths crossed again at the world-famousPowells Bookswhere Kaku was signing his latest.
Why was the day so memorable to me (but probably not to Michio Kaku)?
Also, things become more memorable through repetition, and Ive probably told that story 100 times.
Below youll find ideas for how to apply each concept to building memories with your loved ones.
Harness the power of firsts
Novel experiencesare extra sticky in our memory filing cabinets.
For example, which do you remember better, your first kiss or your tenth kiss?
Try these tips for seeding your memories with more firsts.
Wiking recommends visiting a new place every year.
You could make a run at check off a different country every year, or stay close to home.
Draw a radius of 100 miles around your home.
Even if you have been there before, has your partner or your child been there?
Take advantage of their first time to build a new memory together.
Take a class together.
Choose something neither of you have tried before so you share the memory of learning together.
Virtual classes count too.
Try a new agua fresca flavor or a bite of gelato.
Start a sensory round robin.
Getting everyones senses engaged in the moment will help you cement memories together.
Record these reflections in your notes app or a voice memo to refer to later.
Try these tips to pay more attention and make stronger memories.
Have a digital fast.
Make note of your glimmers"micro moments of joy, safety, peace, or contentment.
Make meaning
Meaning makes moments more memorable, Wiking writes.
To turn an ordinary day into a memory, connect it to something personal and significant in your life.
Birthdays and anniversaries are memorable because we make them meaningful.
Why not stretch meaning to fill more days of your life?
Celebrate half-birthdays, Fridays, and full moons with your own rituals, a toast, or cupcakes.
Take advantage ofobscure holidaysto start new traditions.
Who cares if they are mostly made-up marketing tactics?
Let your emotions be a highlighter
Big feelings are associated with more vivid memories.
What makes you feel excited, terrified, head-over-heels, or triumphant?
You dont even have to be a thrill seeker who skydives or free climbs.
Aim for roller coasters, ghost tours, or karaoke.
Want to get your heart rate up without the actual danger?
Even a chillvirtual hangoutcan be a different way to bond with someone you care about.
Capture peaks and valleys
Sure, it’s cool when everything goes off seamlessly.
But in reality, most of life’s experiences include a little yuck along with the yum.
Make better memories by appreciating both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.
Take the longer, harder route.
We remember both the disappointment of a closed hotel pool and the thrill of an unexpected room upgrade.
The highs and the lows come together for great memories.
Go for a big goal, noting all the challenges and wins along the way.
Start a collection that turns your memories into tangible story-starters.
I think stickers fit the bill perfectly.
Bonus points if you use your stickers to decorate a memory-keeping journal with details from each experience.
Outsource memories
Finally, don’t depend on your own neurons for all the memory storage.
Here are a couple more options:
Set up a private social media account just for memory keeping.
Make a new family playlist for every season or trip.