February 15, 2010 in Articles by Joshua Matthews

Potatoes Are Forgetful

Where were you the night of April 3rd 2007?

Know what I did?

I probably read the kids a couple stories. I probably watched some TV with my wife. I probably drank a Stella. I may have gone to Kung-Fu, I may have read a book. I may have played a video game. I may have had band practice or played my drum kit. They’re all maybe’s.

Great memories are not created from the things we do all the time, though there is a place for those. Great memories are created by the moments we stretched ourselves. You risk something to win the memory. We traveled, we dared, worked for, accomplished, we engaged, we paid attention.

You don’t always have to give to get. Just as often we must give up to get. Give up comfort, give up approval and pleasing others, give up money and security.

I remember the perfect sunset wave, the quiet at the top of the mountain, laughing with friends and family away from town, that birdie shot, that fishing trip, the day at the game, that vacation, that connection, those moments.

What extraordinary moment can you make if you gave up the couch or the day of work, the useless bit of approval, the overactive sense of safety, that extra cash in the bank?