Steemit Engagement Challenge-S14W6 | Memories of 2023

Since this marks my very first post in this community, so first of all, warmest greetings to everyone!

I wanted this article's cover picture to exude a playful and aesthetic vibe, capturing the spirited essence of the fashion community - hence, this slightly belated contribution. To avoid the term 'challenge,' which doesn't quite align with the blog's atmosphere, I'd prefer to call it a shared experience :)

Are you genuinely interested in my memories? I'm doubtful, but nevertheless, you'll have to read as it's the mandatory principle of this competition. So, here we go...

For this post, I am required to answer the following questions (as mentioned in tips) for the contest:

• Role of memories

• Good & Bad memories of 2023

Given my background in science, here are a few thoughts on the marvel of our brains concerning memories:

Memories are crafted through brain encoding, with the hippocampus playing a role in processing new information. Storage is dispersed across various brain regions, and synaptic plasticity enhances connections. Retrieval activates the prefrontal cortex, vital for learning. Memory disorders emphasize the significance of comprehending these processes for cognitive health.
source

Our brains are truly mysterious and a nature's wonder especially concerning the memories - the enigma lies in their complexity and constant changes. With 86 billion neurons forming connections, understanding how memories work is challenging. Ongoing research aims to unravel how memories are formed, but the brain's adaptability ensures many questions remain unanswered.

Enough with the scientific background; let's move on to the first question: the importance of memories in life. The answer is both very simple and complicated.

Without memories, we are nothing. These memories shape our lives, personalities, and character. They are what make us who we are. All kinds of memories, whether good, bad, pleasant, or traumatic, become embedded in our lives, influencing how we perceive and respond to the world. Positive memories can foster resilience, optimism, and a sense of well-being, while negative memories may impact our emotional responses and behavior. The cumulative effect of memories plays a crucial role in shaping our individual personalities and outlook on life.

Memories serve as the tales of our experiences, providing a sense of meaning and connection. Cherished memories, whether from joyful moments or overcoming challenges, contribute to a fulfilling life. They offer a source of inspiration, gratitude, and reflection, reminding us of our growth and the beauty of the human experience. Let me explain this through an example:

Think of your fondest memory and see how it makes you smile. Now, think of a traumatic experience and observe how you frown or taste bitterness on the tip of your tongue.

You can revive these memories or cherish them, but your emotional response might not be very strong. Now, reflect on the effects of those experiences; you can connect to those happenings in a way that you didn't when they were actually occurring in your life. So, these memories are a gateway to all those experiences of life that you had but now they serve as a tool of reflection.

The hardest part of the contest: my good memory of 2023? I am sitting here in front of my laptop for the last half an hour or so, going down memory lane. I really can't come up with a single one; there are so many little, good ones. I can't pinpoint a single memory. This is really hard to narrow down to just one. I traveled to some very beautiful highlands twice, my kids had very good grades, and I won a putting competition in golf. All these are some of the fondest memories.

If I had to pick one, it might not be the happiest, but I would say my fondest memory of the year 2023. It was the time I visited a special school for kids in our community. That day is still etched in my memory forever. I was a part of a voluntary group No Child Left Behind, in our community for about six months, organizing volunteer visits under some supervision.

I visited the school in the same context. It was a fulfilling experience. I had been organizing the volunteers' visits for some time, but when I actually visited the school, it dawned upon me the real challenges faced by the teachers, therapists, parents, staff, and especially the kids themselves. This experience taught me to be thankful, kind, and to see life in a different way. Seeing the challenges the kids and teachers faced made me appreciate what I have. The care and compassion at the school showed me the importance of understanding and helping others. This experience changed how I see the world and made me value the simple things in life more.

I had planned various activities with the kids under the supervision and guidance of the staff and management. The children truly appreciate the visitors. I spent a whole day with these beautiful children. I must say, these kids are the purest souls on the face of planet earth. I have visited the facility a few more times after the initial visit. I also attended their annual sports function, which remains one of my fondest memories of 2023. These kids are no different from others; all they need is love, affection, and support from every member of the community, not only from their parents and teachers. Embracing their unique needs fosters a more inclusive and compassionate community, ensuring that these wonderful individuals can lead fulfilling lives with the backing of a caring society.

_{Children with special needs preparing for their sports day}

The last part of the contest: Worst memory of 2023!

Can I rephrase it?? The saddest memory of 2023...

I have written about it before under the heading of beauty of dreams. I lost my ever-loving grandmother on January 8, 2023, the same day as my daughter's birthday. I would never say that it was the worst memory. She lived a very tough life, being widowed from a very young age. Despite the challenges she faced, she remained resilient and inspiring. Her passing marked the end of an era, but the strength she exhibited throughout her life continues to serve as a source of inspiration and admiration.

It's just that I miss her so much. I have never stopped missing her for a day. I loved her so dearly. I just wish that she be granted the highest place in Jannat and wish that I be united with her in my eternal life. She nurtured me when I was very young. She stepped in to take care of me when my mom couldn't. She never stopped loving me. She and her cherished memories are my most precious assets. So yes, her passing makes me sad, but that's not the worst memory. She was in a lot of pain during her last days. She endured too much, and one day I prayed to Allah to cease her suffering. That prayer made me so sad. It broke my heart, as if someone plunged a knife through it. But I had to ask this for her.

I guess, that's a wrap for this blog. I wish everyone reading this a very peaceful and fulfilling 2024.

Following are some of the snippets from some of my memories captured through lens.

Here's to the ones that we got
Cheers to the wish you were here, but you're not
Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
Of everything we've been through
Toast to the ones here today
Toast to the ones that we lost on the way
Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
And the memories bring back, memories bring back you

Maroon 5 ~ Memories

Signing off,
Yours truly,
@soulfuldreamer