One thing I've discovered during my happiness project this year, is that being the "memory keeper" for my family really makes me happy. I just love taking photos, writing down cute things that have happened, and retelling the stories to my daughter and niece. I really think that retelling stories and sharing memories help us shape our view of ourselves and our place in the world.
For instance, when someone asked Flannery the other day, "who are you?", she said, "I'm a cousin."
Seriously. This is how she defines herself. From the moment she was born, she was someone's cousin. A very special someone's, to be exact.
My niece will never want for adoration as long as Flanna is around!
And Flannery loves when I tell the story of how everyone came to the hospital when she was born, and how her "big cousin" held her when she was only one day old. That story sort of defines who loves her most and who is most important to her in the world.
Which, by the way, is not any of us adults. We're okay and all, but that cousin, she's the one.
What stories or memories from your life help you define who you are? I remember my dad telling the story of how I would never "bump" anyone when we'd play aggravation as a family, because I was just too "sweet." And I remember my mom telling the story of how my sister at just 3 years old would play with me, feed me, change my diaper, and just generally be a sweet second mama to me. She had my back from the get go, it seems. And that's a nice way to grow up.
Good stuff to read TJ, thanks for helping me remember what life is all about! Have you ever thought about writing a book? You should.
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