“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
Dr. Seuss
I can hardly believe 2025 has already come to an end. At this time of year, I like to go into my office and truly reflect on the events of the past year: both the highs and the lows. For all those high activity, goal-oriented people out there; we do have the tendency to feel like we have failed if we didn’t accomplish everything on the long list of goals, we set for ourselves for the year. Over each passing year, I have come to realize that failure is not the end of the world, only the beginning of the adventure.
I use Apple Photos and its Memories feature. I have hundreds of photos—photography has always been a big part of my life. Memories automatically sorts everything by days, months, years, and even people and events. So if I want to quickly look back at my daughter’s birthdays from the past five years, it’s right there. If Debbie wants to remember how she decorated the house for Christmas last year—boom, instantly found.
Every day, Apple Photos shows me a Memory like, “On this day…” and brings up moments from different years in the past. I love it. It inspires me. I can literally watch how my training has changed the way I look over time—or see all the progress we’ve made on the house.
I’ve been reflecting on past family holiday gatherings and the joy they brought. Parkinson’s truly hit home when my father-in-law was diagnosed, and over time his condition progressed until he required assisted living. His memory faded to the point where he could only manage brief moments of clarity and no longer recognized his family. Watching my mother-in-law visit daily, knowing he didn’t know who she was, was heartbreaking. Losing the ability to share memories with someone you’ve built a life with is a profound shock. I’m deeply grateful we made those celebrations meaningful for him and the entire family.
During a health scare I experienced in Vegas, I had a profound realization while on the way to the hospital. I suddenly realized I wasted so much time stressing about the future and not focusing on the present. Right then I made a promise to myself to enjoy every day and appreciate all the little things that go into making our lives colorful. Time is our most precious commodity and yet most of us waste it because we think we have so much more ahead.
Prince Ea’s song I heard the other day was spot on: “It’s not death most people are afraid of. It’s getting to the end of life to realize you never truly lived!”
No matter how your year was, look back at all the memories you created. The first day your kid started high school, the Homecoming Dance, a birthday celebration, the fun day at the beach, the epic sunsets and sunrises, and going on your exciting vacation. You will feel so grateful for all those beautiful moments you created.
Take pleasure in the small things. They end up creating an amazing life. Go create more memories!
Happy New Year!
Ralph
