We were mesmerized by the Inauguration of our 46th president. And I wanted to cling to those peaceful and hopeful feelings long enough to erase the anger and angst of the past four years. With the pandemic and Trumpism, it was difficult to get up in the morning, get dressed, and be productive. Then came yesterday, and I decided to turn the page. Right after waking, I put on a blue corduroy dress, a strand of pearls, and added a long chiffon maroon scarf. Next I settled myself in front of a newly-acquired television (my first in about 25 years) to revel in the historic day.
As I watched, I thought I should make a note of the memorable moments. But there was too much to take in. The images and words were captivating and I began to experience a profound sense of calm and hope for the future. Then I remembered why I wrote a family memoir, Italian Kisses: Rose-Colored Words and Love from the Old Country. My goal was to capture and share feelings of family and togetherness — which was so poignantly on display by President Biden’s message — unity.
What is it that you found most touching about the day’s events? To convey the moment or moments that most inspired you, try writing a mini-memoir. I’ve written about and taught the art of the mini-memoir because so often people would say to me, “I wish I knew how to write, because I always want to remember and treasure some of our family moments.”
Instead of thinking in terms of talent, think in terms of gratitude. By adapting a positive perspective, anyone can write a mini-memoir in less than an hour — perhaps on just two sheets of paper. Happy memories are refreshing and restorative and here is a step-by-step guide to do so. You can adapt this for the Inauguration or for any event that you wish to treasure.
- Event: Was it a holiday, birthday, wedding, school graduation, or even a chance meeting that you wish to remember?
- Feelings: Did you experience joy, happiness, relief, silliness, or perhaps a sense of relief?
- People: Who shared the event/memory with you? Pretend you are writing a play. Name and briefly describe the characters.
- Place: Describe the venue, the decorations, the food.
- The day or evening itself: Was it filled with sunshine or clouds? If at night, were there stars in the sky and a luminous moon? Or was there rain and thunder?
- Why? Ask yourself and then explain what was about the event or experience that sticks with you.
- Express gratitude.
Why record the memory? Because there are so many times in life that derail positive thinking that it is helpful to look back on moments that brought us joy. Also, for parents and teachers, sharing one’s thoughts on such historic moments bring them to life for young people.
Think of the Inauguration as a new New Year’s Day.
Copyright 2021 Rita Watson