Hi there. Welcome back as we continue our series on finding steadiness in the shifting seasons of life.
In our younger years, we often approach happiness with a sense of caution. We’ve all felt that nagging worry that if things are going too well, a setback must be lurking just around the corner. This “waiting for the other shoe to drop” can prevent us from fully immersing ourselves in the good moments. However, one of the greatest advantages of seniority is the realization that joy is not a limited resource we should hoard, but a vital fuel we must actively store. When we are truly happy—whether it’s the quiet satisfaction of a completed woodworking project or the laughter shared during a family visit—we must give ourselves permission to experience that joy without reservation.
I like to think of these moments as “joy equity.” When we welcome happiness like a precious guest, we aren’t just enjoying the present; we are building a reservoir of evidence for the future. There will inevitably be days when the weight of the world feels heavier—days when we are sidelined by health issues or saddened by the loss of those we care about. In those darker hours, the mind often tries to convince us that we have always been unhappy and that light is a myth. That is when our stored memories become our medicine. Recalling the smell of a home-cooked meal, the pride of a long-haul trip safely completed, or the simple peace of a summer afternoon serves as proof that joy existed before and will exist again.
Storing these memories intentionally takes practice. It means taking a mental “snapshot” when you feel a sense of contentment, noting the sights, sounds, and feelings of that moment. By letting these memories sit beside us like silent companions, we ensure that we are never truly alone in our harder phases. When the terrain gets rough, we can reach back into that storehouse and remind ourselves: “I have seen the light before, and I have the strength to find it again.” These memories don’t just heal us; they provide the map that leads us back to our better selves.
Our Shared Wisdom: What is one specific, happy memory from your past that acts as “medicine” for you when things get difficult? How does it feel to revisit that moment today?
PS: A quick note on our new schedule! To better serve everyone, articles are now published on the website at 06:00 AST for those who like to read with their early morning coffee. Emails will now be sent out at 12:00 AST to ensure we don’t disturb anyone too early with phone notifications.
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment