Reflecting on the Past by Sally Spasovski

I’ve not been one to spend time reflecting on past events. That’s particularly true with events in my childhood. My memory of childhood has always been sketchy, and I just figured that my memory for detail wasn’t as good as other folks. As I’ve grown older, the need to remember has become stronger.

What is driving that need? Perhaps a desire to put the puzzle pieces together. How did I become the person I am? Who and what were the key people and events that shape my “story”?

When I signed up for Creating and Telling Personal Stories at SMCC, I was thinking it would be a creative outlet and a way to get out of my home office and spend time with creative people. The course is MUCH more than I signed up for—in a good way. The readings and activities are designed to both trigger memories and to guide reflection on how those memories may become stories.

Another tool for reflection has been looking through old photographs with my mom. There are photos of grandparents, great aunts and uncles, great-great grandparents, distant cousins—most of whom I’ve never met. Working with my mom, I have a collection of photos and post it notes – with names and details about the people in the photos. Just as with my personal stories, I’m driven to find out about these people in the photographs—so that they will not be forgotten.

So, is this reflection process about understanding the past? Finding my identity? Remember those people I’ve loved and lost? I think it’s all of that….and much more.

(The photo at the top is by Eva Logan and can be found here.)

Comments

[Kenneth Shaw]

Great article, I think we all have a need to connect with your past to see how we became the person we are. In this process we can see things we love, like, and hate about ourselves. I love this process. I think it can help us grow by enforcing what we love, working on what we like, and changing what we hate.

[Sarahfina Fore]

It is wonderful to hear how this class has helped you unlocked your memories. I find it beautiful that you are strengthening the story or your family with the connections and support you've had throughout the class.