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| The Secret To Making Time Stand Still |
"My, how time flies."
We often wonder how time manages to get away from us so quickly and easily. Some theorize that time is just a mathematical equation that exists in the organic chronological mechanism of the brain. No matter the fact or fictional constructs of time we are always left feeling there just isn't enough of it. Is there a secret to making time stand still? This article reveals a few tips to slow the pace of time.
Remember when Grandma used to say, "Oowee! That child is growing like a weed!" And you replied, Mom, we prefer to say "growing like a plant, thank you very much." But, let's face it, the statement was true.
"Turn around and she's two, turn around and she's four, turn around and she's a woman walking out of the door." - it's just a matter of time.
How can you stop the passing of time - make it stand completely still - hold it back long enough to squeeze and savor every special moment out of it before it all runs out? Five words. Celebrate the gift of life. A key to enjoying life as a family can be summed up in the following:
"Don't sweat the small stuff. Let life happen."
Celebrating life's milestones each and every day requires careful planning while recording the memories made, as much as you can. How?
1. Plan simple but memorable activities.
2. Take time to discover your world as you never experienced it before.
3. Make a family bucket list and check off items as you go.
4. Proclaim anniversaries unique to you and your families experiences. On these anniversary days always take the time to look back.
5. Always take the time to acquire and hide small milestone gifts to be presented on every occasion.
They say history has a way of repeating itself. In many ways, today's challenges are much like the sixties and early seventies. Including social and political norms, fashion and the message in literature, media, and music. Even then a whole generation tried to slow the pace down for their own good. To paraphrase a song from the turbulent sixties:
"Slow down, you move too fast. Try to make the feeling last."
In other words, learn how to put your life on slo-mo, savor the moment and live in the present. And it's not as hard as it might seem? Here a few tips to slow the turbulent tide of time.
1. Always bring the camera along. "Looking back with photos make memories sweeter."
2. Make a large memory chest for keepsakes, memorabilia, and tokens of the day.
3. Keep a journal and record details and highlights of those special occasions. Capture the mood of the moment and quote words that were spoken.
4. Crafty and creative? Scrapbook it. Need we say more?
So what simple life events to record and recall? Tending the family garden, celebrating fall harvest time, enjoying a culture food fests, game night, movie night, family pool parties, picnics in the park, bird watching, pond fishing, trips to the zoo, pet play, road trips, and our favorite, planning and enjoying a family reunion.
Once you begin planning and celebrating the many gifts of life and keep looking back on the good memories you made you will have found the secret to making time stand still and your days sweeter, memories fonder and lives seem somehow longer.
Mark Askew is the co-author of Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Keepsake and Guide book. See profile for details.
