Commit to be Fit: Make the most of summer, create happy memories

I am so grateful that my sister-in-law shared with me her intention to create more memories with her family this year. Now we are trying to do the same. This intention is a daily reminder to try and live each day to the fullest. Research reports that positive experiences and creating happy memories often promote resilience and have a positive impact on one’s physical and mental health.

Become an architect of positive memories

According to Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, we are the architects of our own memories. With that knowledge, it’s up to us to design the experiences that are meaningful to us, so that we can deposit good memories in our memory bank. With a bank account full of memories; in the future, we will be more likely to make withdrawals of happiness.

Reframe mishaps to find a silver lining

Just last week we had to evacuate our home due to a possible gas leak. Everything turned out to be just fine, but getting our four children, two who were fast asleep, under the age of 6 out of our house at 9 p.m. was quite the challenge. We ended up at my parents' house, when we saw a neighbor walking her dog. After hearing our story, she said, “Hey! What a fun memory!” And that one remark turned the whole night around for us. We were frightened at the beginning of the ordeal, but our neighbor’s words reminded us that we had an opportunity to lean in and make the most out of the situation. We colored pictures, read books, said prayers together and had a fun breakfast the next morning. A wonderful memory indeed!

Schedule exciting events

My friend says she enjoys having something fun to look forward to on the calendar: a hike with a friend, getting her nails done, checking out a new lunch spot, getting a massage, visiting her parents, etc. Scheduling exciting events, no matter how big or small, is a proactive way to infuse one’s life with joy and anticipation.

Fun memories improve mental health

Creating and reliving fun memories has been linked to improved mental health outcomes, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Fun and pleasurable activities contribute to a positive outlook and an increase in one’s overall life satisfaction.

Summer bucket List

Make the most of the remaining summer days by creating a, “before summer ends” bucket list. Creating a family bucket list gives your family an opportunity to dream together. You don’t need to break the bank or take days off to make great memories. All you need is the desire to make ordinary days into extraordinary days. Some simple ideas: camp in the backyard, play games together, design a small house or a car out of a big cardboard box, climb Mount Trashmore, make greeting cards for neighbors or friends, send a card to a nursing home, have a water balloon fight, go to the library, enjoy individual “dates” or time with each child.

Wise words from Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou’s profound wisdom reminds us that while “people may forget what we said or did, they will never forget how we made them feel.” You can probably think of someone in your life who consistently brings you joy and happiness whenever you encounter them. Today, you can make the decision to be that person, to be that source of positivity for others. It’s a willingness to do small deeds and actions with great love.

How will you create wonderful memories by making others feel special?

Kylie Alger is a certified wellness coach and co-owner of the Well-Woman: Body, Mind & Spirit. Comments: kylie@thewellwoman.org.