{"id":5359,"date":"2024-10-14T22:39:59","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T22:39:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emiralmedia.ro\/site\/claudiu\/life-a-collection-of-moments\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T08:08:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T08:08:20","slug":"life-a-collection-of-moments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/claudiusimion.ro\/en\/life-a-collection-of-moments\/","title":{"rendered":"Life – A collection of moments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I recently heard a quote that seems to be attributed to the Russian writer Yevgeny Yevtushenko, which I found profound:<\/p>\n\n

“Life is made up of the days you remember, not the days that have passed<\/strong>.”<\/p>\n\n

How true!<\/p>\n\n

I wonder, though: why? <\/strong>What makes some events memorable and others not? The answer might seem obvious, but is it? <\/p>\n\n

Memory plays a crucial role in how we perceive and experience life. It helps us build our personality, understand who we are and how we evolved. However, our brains are selective. Only some of what we experience becomes part of our long-term memories, the rest is forgotten or superficially stored. <\/p>\n\n

(see also article Repetition is the mother of learning – Claudiu Simion<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n

Studies show that events that provoke strong emotions – be they positive or negative – are the ones that are most deeply imprinted in the memory.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Traumas<\/strong>, for example, are often easier to remember than ordinary days, because they are accompanied by intense emotions, which particularly activate our memory system. The same goes for pleasant and extraordinary events.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

One explanation for why we forget many of the days that pass is that our brains generally prioritize information that is new, relevant or emotionally charged. <\/p>\n\n

Routine days<\/strong>, those when nothing special or emotional is happening, are processed at a superficial level, as the brain believes that they do not require long-term storage. In fact, this ability to forget is beneficial for our mental health, as it allows us to avoid being overwhelmed by all the unnecessary information and details. <\/p>\n\n

Trauma<\/strong> plays a major role in how we construct our memories. Negative experiences are often more vivid than positive ones, precisely because of the way our brains react to stress and danger. But it’s not just trauma that leaves deep scars in our memory, but also difficult moments in life that have been perceived as major challenges. <\/p>\n\n

On the other hand, not all memorable days are associated with suffering or trauma. Pleasurable events and moments of<\/strong> success <\/strong>are also etched in our memory and often recalled with pleasure. <\/p>\n\n

Abraham Maslow introduced the concept of ‘peak experiences’, short, intense moments of joy, upliftment or personal fulfillment that give us a state of inner harmony and meaning. It is the days that give us these experiences that tend to remain in our memory as the ‘peaks’ of our lives.<\/p>\n\n

What can we do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Our lives are not just made up of extraordinary moments, but we can learn to live with intention<\/strong> to create more of them. One of the best ways to turn ordinary days into memorable ones is to get out of routine<\/strong>. New experiences stimulate the brain and help us remember the day better. <\/p>\n\n

Practicing gratitude<\/strong> can also transform our perception of our days. If we make a habit of reflecting on the positive things that have happened in a day, even if they are minor, we can build better and more meaningful memories. <\/p>\n\n

John Lennon said: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” We often lose sight of the small but beautiful moments because we are too preoccupied with worries or plans for the future. <\/p>\n\n

A few simple recommendations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n