Am I remembering places and events correctly? Sometimes I wonder. Reading about false memories, it makes me wonder if I am actually remembering, or if it is some strange facade my mind has created. But then I ask myself, to what end?
I understand that our brain sometimes protects us from memories. I can’t think of anything during the first few years of my life that would cause me not to remember; nothing that I think would be traumatic enough to cause a false memory. But that’s the strange dichotomy, right? If you don’t remember to remember correctly for whatever reason, how can you be sure your memories aren’t false? Or do you just choose to believe in your memories?
I must unpack it for myself. I had no trauma during the first few years of my life that I can recall. Nothing to run away from; nothing to prove. I have to conclude I am remembering, at least this period in my life, correctly. As I move through later trauma in my life, I will have to check myself.
My start in life was idyllic for me. I had two parents and two sets of grandparents that loved me. I had a home with room to run and play and discover, with pets and bicycles and tree houses. I went camping with my grandparents and always had a built-in friend in my older brother. We were read to and given the resources and opportunities to learn. We never went hungry. We were taught hardworking values; to work hard, then play. Life was good.
How do I hold onto those good memories and set the others aside? Have you just forgotten, or did you choose to forget?
Please comment below with your thoughts; I would love to hear from you!
Add comment
Comments