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The Impermanence of Memory

Essay Published 28 Mar, 2023 · 274 Words

Forgetting is a part of life that we all must face. It is an inevitable aspect of the human experience, and it can be both frustrating and distressing when it occurs. When we forget something, we lose a piece of ourselves, a memory that once defined who we were. It is like meeting someone for the first time, every time, and it can make it difficult to build lasting relationships. It's a strange feeling like you're missing out on something that everyone else is able to enjoy. You see others laughing and chatting, reminiscing about shared experiences, and you feel left out like you're on the outside looking in. It's tough to try and make friends when you don't have the context of past interactions and memories to draw from. To forget is to lose something that was once important to us. It can be a person, a place, a thing, or a memory. Whatever the case may be, forgetting can be painful. When we forget something, we are forced to confront our own mortality, our own impermanence. We are reminded that we are not infallible and that we are vulnerable to the ravages of time and the effects of ageing. But forgetting can also be liberating. It can free us from the burden of past mistakes, from the weight of old grudges and resentments. It can allow us to move forward, unencumbered by the past, and embrace the present with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Of course, it's not always easy. Forgetting important details about someone's life or interests can be embarrassing and frustrating. But I've found that just riding the currents and going with the flow helps.

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