You’ve probably heard at least once in your life that making memories is the true richness and beauty of life. The remarkable thing about memories is that they last forever in your mind and can be revisited and appreciated at any time. Living in the moment is a common phrase and a piece of advice that you also might have heard; some say they can’t do or have this mindset because they have to stay focused on priorities and “reality.”

I’m here to tell you that balancing priorities and living in the moment is attainable and will change your life.

Memories must be constantly created because they can have a powerful impact on anyone. It is important to remember that everyone’s memories are unique; you will always have a different reaction to an experience than someone else. Those pleasant memories will help you connect with the outside world and combat feelings of loneliness, isolation, and overthinking. They are also beneficial because they provide a sense of comfort. They also allow you to find a sense of purpose or new meaning, as you can reflect on these memories and discover values that will last throughout your life.

As for living in the moment, there is a certain beauty in being able to appreciate your surroundings and finding joy in the simple or even “crazy” things. Living in the present moment allows you to forget about the stress of the past and the future. You foster feelings of gratitude and happiness. This is why living in the moment is so effective at creating memories that will last forever in your mind and provide you with all of the benefits.

Making new experiences or finding an idea you enjoy and applying it in novel ways can help you generate good memories. Naturally, everything relies on your personality, but don’t be scared to step outside of your comfort zone because you never know what you could appreciate. One such instance is attending a concert; I’ll use this as an example from personal experience and perhaps it will serve as inspiration for others. Concerts are usually something I do on the spur of the moment since I know I enjoy them and that every musician I see will leave me with a unique experience and impact. Concerts are packed with unforgettable energy, people bonding over music, bonding over the emotion of “how is this happening? This is surreal.”  You are simply compelled to relive the entire night every time you leave. Although this is a personal experience, I do encourage it if it feels right for you.

Accepting that memories can be both positive and negative is crucial. Saying that every memory you have in a lifetime will be fantastic is not realistic. You will endure hardship and negative outcomes along the way, but they are there for a reason. God didn’t give you those unpleasant events so you may feel agony; pain is a fleeting emotion. He gave them to you so you could learn something. Similar to how he provided those positive experiences, He also wants you to enjoy and value the one life you have. Ups and downs are common; don’t be scared to go through them or let the negative or your practical concerns stop you from experiencing what is thought to be the essence of life.