Food For Thought From Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss said something very important in a mere smattering of words. We go through many moments in life that we take for granted while they occur. It's often later--sometimes much later--that we look back and realize the significance, or as said above, the value.

There are special moments in all our lives that I think take on greater value as time goes on and we reach into our memory bank to relive the moment.

Here's a partial list:

• Graduation Day
• Wedding Day
• First day of college
• First day of military service
• A great first date
• The birth of a child
• The birth of a grandchild
• A special anniversary celebration
• A health issue that helps us learn
• A high school or college reunion
• A Sunday sermon that stayed with you
• A new job
• A vacation that stands out from others

When we pluck these things from our memory, we usually do so at a much later date than when the event happened. We're able to look with a new perspective than when we had the experience originally. Perhaps some of the people involved are no longer a part of your life and that memory brings them back for a short time. 

As writers, we use those memories in the memoirs, stories, personal essays, poetry and even fiction that we write. Many fiction writers use their own experiences at times within those made-up stories. 

When we look back at those special memories, we should ask ourselves what we learned, who was there that we treasure more today than at that time, how whatever happened affected our future lives. 

So stand back and take a look at some of those memories. Do you think differently about them now? I am guessing that maybe not all will be showing you the value, but perhaps some negatives, too; Hopefully, the value side will be the heaviest. 

As you ponder those old memories, put a check mark next to the ones you want to write about. Keep your list handy to use for inspiration when your muse seems to have gone off to a faraway land.  If you write a story from one of those memories, you might nod your head, give a wink of the eye and whisper Thanks, Dr. Seuss.