Did I Forget That Again??? by Syndi Powell
I wish I could say that I purposely forgot to write this blog to use it as an example for this topic, but alas it's due to my increasingly spotty memory. I used to have a great memory for useless trivia and song lyrics. Unfortunately, that has radically changed in the last few years. While I used to recognize a minor actor in a movie and name other films I had seen him in, I now struggle to recall the name of the movie I've been wanting to see.
Part of the memory loss can be attributed to the cancer drugs I'm on. But I think a large part of it is due to menopause and aging. I remember my grandma telling me she could remember all the names of her friends when she was six, but don't ask her to say what she had for breakfast. She'd warn me that it would happen to me one day, and I would scoff at this. Well, Grammy, you were right.
So now that I'm forgetting more than I can remember, what are some things I (and you, if you're like me) can do to help my memory?
1. WRITE THINGS DOWN - Gone are the days I could go to the grocery store without a list. Nowadays, if it's not on the list it doesn't get in the cart. Use a calendar, either paper or on your phone, to remind you of appointments as well as birthdays/anniversaries/holidays. Write your favorite family recipes in a notebook so you don't lose those cherished secrets.
2. ESTABLISH ROUTINES - Every night before I go to bed, I lay out my clothes for the following day along with jewelry, socks and shoes. That way, I don't have to to think about what I'm wearing and am fully adorned. I also turn the porch light off when I feed the animals in the morning and turn it on at night when they get fed again. With these routines, I remember more.
3. HAVE A DEFINED STORAGE SPOT FOR EVERYTHING - I can't tell you how many times I've put something away for prosperity (like pictures or important papers) then forget where I put them when I want them. Establish a filing system for important papers. Organize photo albums or boxes for pictures. Buy storage bins in different colors to store holiday decorations (red/green for Christmas, orange/black for fall/Halloween, pink/purple for spring, etc.).
4. WHEN YOU FORGET WHY YOU CAME INTO A ROOM, RETURN TO WHERE YOU FIRST HAD THE THOUGHT - Do you do this too? I walk into a room for... something, but can't recall what or why. If you return to where you were when you decided, then your memory is more likely to be jogged.
5. I FORGET WHAT THIS RECOMMENDATION WAS SUPPOSED TO BE - But this also goes back to the first step: write things down. If I had, I'd remember this particular gem for helping my memory. And I'm sure it was brilliant.
Does anyone else struggle with their memory? Any tips that you can share?
Of all the things I've lost with age, I miss memory the most. I stole that from a cup, which said "mind" instead of "memory," but my mind's okay--the memory's shot. Sounds as if you're doing things right!
ReplyDeleteLiz, I need that mug! LOL. Like you said, my mind's fine but the memory is gone.
DeleteGood suggestions, all. When I turn on a stove burner, I turn on the stove light as well and don't turn it off until the burner is off. It's so annoying when my husband says "Do you know you left the burner on?" So if I need to return somewhere, I often leave a light on.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
DeleteTR, that's a great idea! I'm starting that because I can't tell you how many times I think I've turned it off but find the burner or the oven still on.
DeleteAnd the worst is thinking you've done something when you haven't...like read the Heartwarming blog!! My theory is that the wisdom part of our brain increases as the factoid part of it settles. My story, and I'm sticking to it.
ReplyDeleteMK, I like that theory!
DeleteI'm with you. Love the turn the lights on and off when the animals are fed. More than once I suspect Roxy has gotten two dinners because I'm not positive I fed her and she swears she's starving.
ReplyDeleteBeth, my animals would try to convince you they haven't eaten but that light tells me if they have. LOL
DeleteTonight I got in my car and sat for a few moments trying to remember how to turn on the headlights. I'd be really concerned but I had a kid next to my crying because the dog stepped on his iPad and I had a kid in the backseat saying "Do we have to take the dog?" and I had Siri saying, "Turn left on Oak Street."
ReplyDeletePam, that makes me want to scream out 'Calgon, take me away!' LOL. Remember those commercials?
DeletePamela, wow. I think my brain would fry from all the stress of that situation!
DeleteSyndi, I have to write things down, including recipes that I create myself. It drives me nuts that I made the recipe, but still have to pull out the card to follow it lol. And, yes, I always walk into a room and forget why. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteYep, I enter a room and think "Okay, I had a reason for coming in here. So what was it?"
DeleteI can totally relate to your post, Syndi, especially to the leaving the room example and you're right, it absolutely helps to go back to your point of origin. I was going to,add something but have forgotten what it was so......the post and its comments were very enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteJanice, I know what you mean about wanting to add something. I finally remembered what step 5 was but it took three days! LOL
DeleteGood ideas--nothing like lists and sticky-notes all over the place. Seems to me I went into rooms and forgot why back in my early 20s. I attributed that to toddlers underfoot and my busy mind! Please don't tell me it's a problem!
ReplyDeleteVirginia, it's not a problem ;)
DeleteSyndi, I learned the trick of returning to a room when I was just a kid. Yes. Forgetting what I went into a room for happened to me when I was a kid. lol. And sometimes I even forget to get everything on the list I make.
ReplyDeletePatricia, lists are my lifesavers. I have some for groceries I need, bills to pay, gifts to buy, appointments to make, etc. I don't know what I'd do without them!
DeleteSo I remembered recommendation #5! Puzzles have been shown to help your memory. Whether it's crosswords, Sudoku or jigsaw, puzzles exercise your brain and helps to improve your memory and cognitive skills. After all, if you don't use it, you could lose it.
ReplyDeleteSyndi, I don't know how I missed this blog, but I so identify with this issue and I'm not on cancer drugs. I'm sorry you are, and hope you get beyond needing them soon. I think a lot of meds mess with your spatial thinking. I like your suggestion of doing puzzles to help.
ReplyDeleteI have to say memory is one of the many benefits of youth that I took for granted. I'm of a certain age as well and I've read that memory can be affected. What a drag. I get so frustrated when I can't remember someone's name. Thanks for the great tips for remembering. : )
ReplyDelete(Sorry I'm so late answering this post, I was away celebrating my 23rd wedding anniversary and I'm just now catching up on emails, etc.)