The Recap

The Recap

Our family’s favorite activity is the recap.  We love to gather the day after a holiday or event to discuss the highs and lows.  Sometimes we retell funny stories from the event and other times we might complain about a rude relative or food we didn’t enjoy.  We give more attention to the good moments, the stories get funnier, we remember the food tasting better, and the memories are a little shinier.  It helps to recap with other people who can share the experiences through a different lens.  An annoying interaction with some one, can be flipped to a comical experience.  Photos from the event help reframe the memories and enable us to share the joy. 

 As I read about happiness, I have learned about the power of “savoring the moment.”  Savoring is gratitude’s BFF, and the combo is scientifically proven to increase happiness.  It is the simple act of stepping out of your experience to appreciate it, as it is happening around you.  One of the easiest ways to enjoy the moment you are in is to take a photo.  You not only literally have to stop and focus, but you have photos to look back on the following day, week or whenever you choose.  Screens get a bad rap, the fact that we have the ability to text a photo from the palm of our hand is remarkable.

 After I tuck my phone in for the night, I get into bed and recap the events of the day to find a few things that I appreciated.  I force myself to write down three moments of gratitude from the day.  Sometimes I read the previous entries in my journal to remind myself of good times if I am having a tough week, and those recaps become fuel to power me forward.  I often need to look back at my camera roll to remind myself of a picture I took of my dog, a quote I shared,  or a meal I enjoyed.

At the beginning of a new year, it is customary to look ahead and create goals and plans for the future.  Before I take a step forward, I find it helpful to recap the previous year.  Scrolling through my phone I am reminded not of the big splashy moments, but the little hits of joy throughout my week.  An ice cream cone I enjoyed, a hike I took, a book I loved and sent to a friend.  It is one of the reasons I like to share on social media.  Those bursts scattered in my feed remind me of the good things I have experienced, and give me hope for the year ahead.  Thank you to the inventors of technology who allow me to have my recaps in the palm of my hand.