Here’s why it Always Seems Like Yesterday
“Life goes too fast.” OR “Seems like just yesterday.” – We’ve all used phrases like these at one point or another, and countless other cliches as well.
There was an “I love the 90’s” show on TV some time ago, and it got me thinking about the speed at which life seems to pass. More specifically…how life seems to actually accelerate as we age.
My theory has always been this:
When we recall the experiences from our past, our minds are instantly taken to that place, to that time…no matter when it was. The longer ago the memory, the greater ‘mental distance‘ we travel…but it’s always in the same amount of time.
So it made sense to me that as our mental timeline grows longer…if the speed at which we review that timeline stays the same…our life seems to have happened, faster. After all, speed equals distance over time.
Maybe this is why our life ‘flashes before us’ at times.
The older we get, the more time we can traverse in our minds…but that reflection is in the same moment. A blink. A flash. And that ‘flash’ seems faster and faster. After all, speed equals distance over time.
But then I read an article about some actual studies on the topic, and found another logical conclusion…albeit one that made me pause for thought.
Cognitive pyschologists have observed that the early years of our life are full of unique, first time events. Consequently, we make more detailed and lasting memories.
This process continues into adulthood, just less frequently. For example: The first couple of days of a vacation may seem long and leisurely, but the next thing you know…you’re heading for home.
“When we go to the same places and do the same things, we don’t make distinct memories and time seems to fly by.” – Ronald Riggio, Ph.D.
So you may understand why this article caused me to have pause…as a person pursuing more ‘routine’ in my life.
By setting up routines, am I literally creating the conditions whereby my life will go by even faster?
Perhaps. But I think like most things…the answer lies in balance.
I believe routines and rituals are valuable tools that can help us stay focused. Not only on our pursuits, but on the present.
That focus on the present, often called mindfulness, also leads to gratefulness. And if we’re grateful for what we have, we’ll always have enough.
I find that when I’m in a grateful state, those memories ‘in a flash’ do not make me lament how quickly my life is passing. Instead, they reinforce just how fulfilling that life has been. And they inspire me to make each day unique…and thus that much more memorable.
There is no question that life seems to accelerate as we get older. How we choose to react to this ‘reality’, is up to us.
I choose to follow this routine today, which is designed to remind me (amongst other things) to be grateful…for all that I have, and for all that I wish to give with my life moving forward.
I hope you’ll do the same.
Have a memorable day.
Better yet, have a grateful day.
