Last week, I was on vacation in a lovely beach resort in Kerala, South India. My husband and I chose to take a week long break – travel directly to the destination and just spend quiet time there. It was a wonderful time and I’m glad we decided to take it easy and not rush about sight-seeing. We’ve both come back energized and with a lot of lovely memories.
This past year has been a little difficult for me as I’ve had to come to terms with a lot of issues in my past and some unnecessary ugliness that took place during the year. However, I can safely say it has also been one of my best years as I’ve done a lot of healing work and the supposedly ‘bad’ experiences worked for good – they always do.
I’ve been blogging on the NaBloPoMo theme of More/Less and today’s prompt – Memory/Memories – for the Write Tribe Festival of Words has inspired me to decide that in 2014 I will focus on making memories – happy ones with my loved ones.
I remember reading a story about a well-known diplomat who kept a diary. One of his entries read: ‘Went fishing with my son today – a day wasted.’ His diary formed part of his biography that was published after his death. When his son read the biography, he recalled something. He checked his own diary and found that on the same day he had written: ‘Went fishing with my father today – the greatest day of my life.’
One of the most pleasant memories of our vacation was sitting every evening on the promenade at the beach and watching children and adults frolic in the water and play in the sand. People of all age groups, from various strata of society, mostly from the town nearby, taking time to create memories with their families and friends. Yes, I even saw nuns in their habits fooling around in the water (quite a shocker in conservative Kerala, I might add!). No one was concerned about getting their clothes messed up – most people were just being themselves.
2014 – more memories and less attempts at perfection!
Loved this message, Corinne. We all must truly strive to make happy memories with our loved ones! 🙂 ♥
Shilpa Garg recently posted..Memories of You
Thanks, Shilpa. So easy to get caught up with things that seem more important right?
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..My Blogging Mantra
How each memory is interpreted by different people. Loved the example of that diplomat. And thanks for the beach pictures. You made my day. One place where you could get lost in old memories and make new memories too. And nuns in kerala are on the path on modernisation. Nowadays you could even see nuns with gadgets and riding a scooty, which was a big No before.
Glad you had some beautiful time in our place 🙂
I could picture you sitting on the beach, quietly watching the waves overlap each other!
Wishing you a fabulous 2014 with plenty more happy memories!! 🙂
Pixie recently posted..Write Tribe Festival – Memories
How the same things, lead to contrasting experiences for the people involved.. Wonderful read
Hrishi recently posted..Happiness on a barbeuqe
More memories..less perfection! Amen to that! Love the picture…nothing beats than creating good memories with your loved ones!
Aditi recently posted..Memories
I am struck by how different their viewpoints were. It really makes a person stop and think doesn’t it. So glad you were able to get away and make beautiful memories with your husband! Those kind are treasured for a lifetime. ♥
Kathy recently posted..Memories
How sad for that son to read what his father had written! I think your goal for 2014 is already a step towards perfection!
So true Corinne, memories are a wonderful part of our life, even those that we label ‘less than good’ and being perfectly imperfect works quite well for me!
Elle recently posted..Tap Into Your Inner Optimist And Stress Less
You know, there are 7 of us kids and all of us remember things exactly as that father and son.. It’s so strange to me. We were all in the same house, experiencing the same things but to listen to us you’d think we lived in 7 different homes with totally different parents and siblings. Guess it’s the ‘ol half full half empty scenario..
Great post. 🙂
“More memories, less perfection” that so beautifully sums up a nice post about memories and how we all live, laugh and smile because of them.
Jairam Mohan recently posted..The Confession – Chapter 2 – Food
“More memories..” this really should be a goal for me too. Past year was full of plans which never materialized. Life went so quickly that in retrospect, I don’t find many memories. Whatever is there is just a blur.
Good to know you had a wonderful time in Kerala, Corinne 🙂
Vaisakh recently posted..The free bird
Great message here – make memories with loved ones. And yes so agree – bad things more often than not always turn out to be good. loved the story about the father and son – it’s our perspective of events that determine good or bad – not the event itself. And doing nothing on a holiday is the best kind of holiday. Nice one.
Suzy recently posted..My Personal Journey with Food
Yes you’re right.. That’s a great mantra – more memories less perfection. And seriously – nuns in the sea????
More memories, less perfection. Can I join you in that next year, it sounds like the perfect way to go into a new year, with a blank sheet ready to have memories written upon it for always. Beautiful sentiment. Thank you for sharing.
The sea/ocean has a calming affect on me too…always. And i totally agree with you when you say – ” I will focus on making memories – happy ones with my loved ones”. One should definitely concentrate on that. Loved your positive post! 🙂
dreamzandclouds recently posted..Hidden Treasure
We should all decide to make some wonderful memories with those we love, it’s a great idea. Sometimes we need to just shake ourselves up a little and be our natural selves. It doesn’t always matter what other people think.
I’m so glad that you’ve also managed to overcome your difficulties throughout the year. It’s good not to bring baggage into the New Year. Hope 2014 is a great one for you.
Rum Punch Drunk recently posted..Neighbours Behaving Badly
Wow. That was so beautifully written – I could pretty much visualise how you’d have felt sitting on the beach and watching time fly by. And of course, making new memories with loved ones – I am going to make that my new year resolution, along with your hint of more memories, less perfection. You are an inspiration 🙂
Love it and yes I am with you on this 2014 – more memories and less attempts at perfection! more fun and letting thongs be free
Suzie Cheel recently posted..Heart Whisper Original Art on Your Wall Every Month in 2014
The sea beckons people of all ages towards it . Gazing at the sea one forgets all worries and trouble. I believe that the sea is a great healer. Great post Corinne.
Geeta Nair recently posted..Food for thought
Dear Corinne-
What a heartwarming post this is. You are right on target in acknowledging that weathering your emotional storm this year has made you stronger and I would guess – more vulnerable – which is lovely. To put out the intent – as you did- that your goal is to make positive memories is more than a great idea – it is the foundation of being an optimistic person – which I know you are. Thanks for your words – Fran
Fran Sorin recently posted..Knowing When To Let Go
What a beautiful post!
When I’m at work and having a bad day (which is most of the time I’ll confess), I take a deep breath and remind myself that I’m there for the money which will allow me to do things that I want to do (i.e. go on holiday, save for a house with my partner, etc)…things that will create positive, happy memories with those I love. Because ultimately, those moments and memories are the most important things in life.
Loki-Lou recently posted..BlogHer NaBloPoMo – MP Pay Rise
Glad you had a wonderful time in Kerala, Corinne 🙂
I am still wondering about that example you mentioned. So many people are so obsessed with their work, with their goals that they forget what’s really important. Pursuing our goals/dreams isn’t a bad idea, but we must also learn to enjoy our lives while we are at it.
Thank you for the wonderful post, Corinne 🙂
Interesting.Two different people feel so differently on the same issue
Spending time with friends and family and creating memories can never be a waste. Even spending some time listening to my daughters’ classroom stories is valuable to me. Those are memories to be treasured for me. One day when my daughters are busy living and managing their own lives, I’ll sit and relish these moments, like my parents do now. 🙂
Rekha recently posted..I Love My Chappati
It’s good for you both that you “just spent quiet time there” and did “not rush about sight-seeing.” Of course, bad for Facebook, etc. ;-(
Proactive Indian recently posted..Punished for being poor?
More memories and less attempts at perfection – a great New Year Resolution for 2014 ! Wonderful post Corinne 🙂
Diana Natasha Pinto recently posted..I’d do things differently
i live pretty close to a beach myself in Kannur in North Kerala… and yes, while by nature the people tend to be conservative, get them near a water and they all have very few issues getting their clothes wet in the waves 😀
And I too want to do what u said – make memories now with the people who matter to me.
Roshan R recently posted..The Chemeen Chor
I just came back from a trip down south. And though mine was a marathon kind but yes kovalam allowed me this peace. Sitting on the beach watching the waves gave me so much food for thought. And people making memories everywhere. Sweetest was this woman teaching her five year old surfing, really cute 🙂
And may you have the best times to come in following years 🙂
Richa Singh recently posted..How important is food while traveling?
What a honest and thought provoking post Corinne. So timely as we end the year and look forward to a new one. Hope 2014 is one filled with lovely momories – which all fill up your memory bank.. Wonderful read
Nischala recently posted..10 ways Twitter made a difference in 2013
Different perspectives on memories….. 🙂
Aditya Subramanian recently posted..The Yellowed Book
I like your theme so much and hope to join you in that endeavor during 2014. My daughter helped me lighten up about some details on our Thanksgiving dinner with the reminder that I’d be only one who noticed if it wasn’t “just perfect.” So very true, and I’m working on keeping it simple and laid back as I get ready for Christmas. My husband and I go to the beach at the Gulf of Mexico every summer and spend a week. We sit, read, nap and take walks, shop if the mood hits us. We love it for refueling.
Dorothy Johnson recently posted..In Celebration of a Courageous Life
Glad you enjoyed your vacation, Corinne! Making memories is what life is all about. I’ve come to appreciate this more and more, the older I get. Nobody, on their death bed ever said, “I should have spent more time working”. May you make some wonderful memories in the new year! Happy Holidays to you and yours. 🙂
Debbie recently posted..THE SEASON IS UPON US!
Vacations are a lovely way to make memories. Love kerala. Loved your post. 🙂
One situation. Two people. Two different perspectives.
Also, kids often see the bright side and silver linings. Inspired by this post, my resolution too will be in making beautiful memories for 2014.
iihahs recently posted..Rhythm of cultures.
And this hol in Mumbai, I added some wonderful memories of meting lovely people 🙂
meenamenon recently posted..People – Festival of Words – Day 6!
Corinne, this is a lesson I learned throughout my life. But more so when Mom was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. Then every moment became precious. I know I wasted some of them, but in retrospect, nothing is ever wasted.
Beautiful post. And now, I’ve dedicated my efforts to creating smiles and happiness.
Vidya Sury recently posted..Vidur Sury Talks About Iconography In Hinduism
Making memories, such a powerful lesson, Corinne!