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Bill Kean

Positive Inspirational Attitude Stories

Good memories - the gift that keeps on giving

In a world preoccupied with the quest for material possessions, it's easy to overlook the fact that the most valuable things we own are our best memories. Good memories are the gift that keeps on giving. They make us smile, feel proud, and re-experience the pleasure of past times.

Looked at through the soft lens of sentiment, even the memory of cranky relatives and family traditions that bored or annoyed us at the time can be heart warming links with our past.

But whether your memories of the holiday season conjure up good feelings and happy sounds, smells, and tastes or negative feelings filled with disappointments, resentments, and grudges, I hope you'll resolve this year to consciously create lasting good memories for yourself and those you care about.

Although few of us remember what we gave or got last year or the year before, the tendency is to put too much emphasis on the process of giving and getting gifts.

Don't worry so much about what to buy your family and friends; think more about what you want to give them.

Think beyond the synthetic atmosphere of the mall. Prefabricated decorations and gift certificates are not the stuff of lasting recollections. Think about the feelings you want to create.

The best memories are made out of simple stuff - homemade food, handmade gifts, heartfelt letters, good conversations, games, and heirlooms.

Highlight and celebrate old traditions and consciously create new ones. You'll be glad you did - for a long time.

Written by Michael Josephson

Michael Josephson is one of the most sought-after and quoted ethicists. Founder and president of Josephson Institute and its Character Counts project, he has conducted programs for more than 100,000 leaders in government, business, education, sports, law enforcement, journalism, law, and the military. Mr. Josephson is also an award-winning radio commentator. You can subscribe to his regular free Character Counts Commentaries on the website. To view the contact details please visit . . . Positive Inspirational Links >>>

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