Daily Cascade

Is Memory-Making the Business of Life?

Prompt: "The business of life is the acquisition of memories in the end that's all there is."
Mr. Carson, Downton Abbey
Write about this in your Blog Entry today.

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"Oh, Mom! Not that again!" This is what my sons say if I recall something cute from their very early childhoods. I guess this is because at their very early ages, such memories didn't make their way into their brain's memory bank. If I come up with something in their later years, say pre-teens, then they liven up. "Oh, yeah! I remember that!" they say, and even make additions to what I can recall.

I think all this has to do with what the brain does, by forming connections between neurons, and those connections are stronger or weaker according to how often something is recalled or experienced. Our memories are important because they help us understand our lives, with the past, present, and future, all in tow.

Happy memories are essential to our mental health because they strengthen our sense of who we are and our purpose in life. For example, revisiting memories as a family helps build a sense of family identity.

I am not very sure about the quote's "the business of life" meaning because I don't see life as a business, but I'm guessing it means life is continuous work. I'd rather see life as being more fun than just work or business. After all, why should good relationships, personal growth, adventures, and even moments of quiet reflection or creating a piece of writing or artwork feel like work? Yes, we may work at those things somehow, but don't we also enjoy them while they are happening! Then, maybe, there's no reason one shouldn't enjoy what work is.

Also, maybe, we need to live intentionally, prioritizing our experiences of joy, connection, and fulfillment, because material possessions, achievements, and external success can be fleeting and less meaningful toward or at the end of our lives. Plus, as we get older, we have to work harder to create memories; although, we can have events make an impact in order to enjoy their happiness-making qualities for the moment or for a very short time. Now, in my old age, this I find out to be so true.