As the school year comes to a close and as we reach the last month of the academic year, take a second to look back at the memories and the friends you’ve made along the way. We keep ourselves painfully in the future and forget to look back at the memories that have shaped us into the beings we are today, into the humans that stand before us. All the experiences you’ve lived through are lessons, and each one comes out to make you. It’s easy to forget yourself and live life on autopilot, with no time for growth or reconnection. 

There are so many ways to take a trip down memory lane, whether that’s messaging an old friend, looking through your camera roll, or even telling stories with a friend you’ve known for a while. Looking back at memories that put a smile on your face and laughter in your belly helps to show you that life is worth living, and sometimes that’s all you need. Whether those people in the memories are still in your life or have fallen off, memories are memories, and they are why you’re in the position and place you are now. 

I recently reconnected with an old friend, someone who at one point knew everything about me. As we spoke to each other about what has changed over the course of 4 years, we started talking about all the experiences we’ve had together. Some good and some bad, whether that memory makes you happy or anxious, it’s why we are where we are right now. All of those memories make you up, and why would you want to get rid of what makes you special and all around unique? 

So take this as a sign to reminisce and look back at all the good times you’ve had, and maybe even the bad. Memories are building blocks into the person that you see in the mirror every day; it’s the inner scars you have to work through and the smile you wear all in one. Don’t be scared to look back, but never forget to create more.

Edited and Reviewed by Zoe Carter