Moments and Memories

I was in a store several weeks ago when I inadvertently went up the wrong aisle looking for something I needed at my house.  You can say it was by accident, however, I know there is always a purpose behind those, when I was faced with a box of Cracker Jack staring at me as I came to a complete halt.  I instantly smiled as I noticed the writing on the outside of the box prominently displayed that there was a prize awaiting you inside the box.  In a snap,  I was taken back to when I was a child and remembered going grocery shopping with my grandmother and seeing the same boxes at the store.  This was one of the few products that she actually would spend extra money on when I was with her, as it was a treat that was not chocolate or some other confection she had little knowledge of.  In my vague memories I can still remember the prize inside one of those boxes, which had a package of lick and stamp tattoos.   I recall putting them on my arm and more than once, as the second tattoo was much blurrier than the first.  Who knew they were on to something well ahead of their time.  I remembered how this little package of happiness, came with not only popcorn, but caramel covered peanuts, which to me was the extra bonus in buying this product.  All of these wonderful memories shot back at me, right there in the middle of aisle four as I now reached for the package of three small boxes (which is how they are packaged now) and put them in my cart.  How could I pass up such a good deal and most importantly, how could I not honor my wonderful memories that came with this particular box of happiness?  What I found so enlightening about the experience was that it also reminded me about how we have these trigger items that are etched in our lives that will instantly make us take that joyful journey backwards to when we created a wonderful memory.  I love that it can be almost anything for anybody, such as a favorite song, movie or perhaps the smell of your ultimate delightful comfort food.  The list can be quite lengthy and the best thing is that most people have many favorite things to ponder.  When I thought about how this is one of my favorite things, I also thought about the song of a similar name in the film The Sound of Music, which is also one of those instant heartening classics for me.  I am so appreciative of all of these things that bring me wonderful recollections of cheer, for they continue to inspire and fulfill me in so many different ways.  In my view, I believe that the key to having fond memories such as these is to relive them as often as you can.  We all get tied up with living such busy lives, that we tend to forget about the truly joyous moments that can wake us up from a slumber and give us that much needed energy boost, which does not come from a can or a food item that was doctored up to produce the reaction.  The moments and memories that fill our lives are wonderful carvings that mark the places we have been and the feelings that are sometimes filled with jubilant elation, enabling us to walk through the more difficult days that are sometimes part of our journey.  Remember that you have the power to change your perspective, your attitude and your life, it all depends on whether you truly want to do so.  Also, keep those happy and beautiful memories alive so that you can enjoy more of life, as it was meant to be.