Reflection before I turn 30: Life's Pensieve (Week 6)

Figure 1

What if you could know everything that is happening in your life, and have an answer for WHY it is happening? Would that interest you? Would it interest you that you could look up any moment in your life never forgetting a single detail?

In Harry Potter, that is one of the many functions of a Pensieve. For those that don't know what is a Pensieve, it is a basin where wizards and witches can literally view their memories. Their memories are extracted from their minds that can be stored later to be viewed in a basin. Wizards use it to look back on their memories, and relive certain past details. In the Harry Potter books, it was used to piece together clues regarding the Horcruxes (See Figure 1).

Though we can't use magic to extract memories, we can use words to help embellish a world that will help us remember our past. These "words" that I am referring towards is creating a journal, diary or scrapbook - anything that can help you to remember past events.

Preparing for the future is just as important as remembering the past. In fact, it could even be more important. As George Santanya, a Spanish poet, once stated, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

This is vital to note as many people wonder "why" bad things happen in their life as if it is just random occurrences. The more colloquial phrase that people use is that "shit happens" as if they can't explain why it is happening to them. The most important question that I don't think anyone asks is what can you do to prepare for disaster? As my social worker used to counsel me, you can't control the external factors. You can only control yourself.

One can predict the future by preparing now. For example, a seismologist can record data to predict the next volcanic event or earthquake event. By knowing this data, people can create an emergency kit; and prepare for that disaster. Your journal is your data of your life.

In a fast paced world, I don't think we take the time to "smell the roses". When disaster strikes that's when we remember the roses only to be pricked by thorns. To that I say, well why didn't you water the garden? Nothing can be predicted 100 percent, but people should have a good enough idea what is happening in their life that they can prepare for it. Only you will know that answer as you're living your life 24/7. If you're observant you will notice the internal patterns and external patterns that may be occurring in your life. As I stated in a previous blog post, one's life or advice doesn't transcend into another person's life.

World famous violinist, Lindsey Stirling, states at 49 minutes and 20 seconds that writing in her journal, "that the you of the past is so much smarter." (Attached is that link below. I would highly recommend watching this one hour long video. It is really inspiring. Just click to watch.)

Lindsey Stirling Face to Face

Over this past decade, I have learned that writing a journal is an art. It takes practice. But, I can testify that the more I write in my journal the more I do become smarter and wiser. Ms. Stirling is correct. Furthermore, I have turned to my journal on numerous occasions when I wanted an answer - it is that thorough. Just this 2017, I underwent therapy; and I was wondering why I have depressive mood swings. Bringing this up with my therapists, they couldn't answer that question for me. Not knowing the answer either, I decided to turn towards my journal which provided me the answer. I have found that when I am focused on something regardless whether I attain it or not keeps my focus. It also provides purpose to my life - purpose on how to keep going.

I know that this is an important lesson that I hope to take into my 30's. Though it is important to learn from the past, one shouldn't be bogged down by it. We should remember the past to help us observe the trends within our life. My journal has helped me in this endeavor, and I will continue writing in it. I hope to become a better person because of my journal.

This is an important reflection before 30.

Journal note: As each week passes, I will get deeper with these reflections. Next week, I have learned a valuable lesson about life's real trial. Stay tuned.