Looking Back Helps

Author: Sheri Denkensohn-Trott

I’ve am a big believer in focusing on the present. Through meditation and related classes, I practice centering myself, breathing deeply, and going inward. Focusing on the moment and getting rid of all the “buzzing bees” that create chatter in my head. You all know what that is; the voice that you hear filled with judgment and labels. If I don’t focus and turn off the tape, it turns into a reel of telling myself that I’m not productive, should be eating healthier, not spending time outside, and the “not enough” list goes on.

I’ve taken the concept of “self-care” to heart and try my best to focus on the present moment. Lately I’ve realized that is a very healthy perspective to get through each day. But often it helps to reflect on memories that brought joy when they took place. For instance, while I don’t spend much time on my personal Facebook site, photos popped up from approximately five years ago when we were out in California. This was a trip that began with a three-day wedding party, a couple of days in Newport Beach, California visiting friends, and then driving to Arizona to meet friends and go to the NCAA basketball Final Four Tournament. Yes, this trip had everything. Beautiful weather, wonderful celebrations, reconnecting with friends, and going to our bucket list basketball tournament.

The pictures were taken at the marina across from our hotel. Our “posh” Holiday Inn Express in Newport Beach had a super location. By crossing the street, we were right along the water. Many boats were anchored in the harbor, and we marveled at their size and laughed at their names. One afternoon, I arranged a lunch with a friend I’ve known throughout her life. Believe it or not I was her babysitter! She lived in Pasadena and came down for the day. It was sunny and windy. We visited outside at a waterside restaurant and then Tony joined us for an early dinner.

The pictures have shadows from the sunset, but you can see our smiles, windblown hair, and outright joy. That very moment when those pictures were taken was one of complete bliss. I had the same feeling looking at them. A snapshot in time when I felt carefree, outwardly expressing my emotions.

It’s likely impossible to recreate that exact feeling in the same place with the same people. But the positive memory from the past gives me hope that I will have another experience in a present moment that is equally meaningful.