The Power of Remembrance

Annually, we take time to honour and show respect to those who have passed, acknowledging their struggles and challenges, commemorating their hardship and sacrifice so we can keep our lived freedoms. A day of remembrance of what was lost so that more could be gained for future generations.

.

I curiously ponder this time we spend looking back and wonder how our ability to reflect on battles won and losses felt is saved for those occasions where it is deemed worthy to do so – war, disease, disaster, etc. Infrequently do we look to kindly observe the past when we perceive it to be less impactful, or to such experiences that we might overlook at fear of being seen as self-indulgent, narcissistic, or just plain selfish! Often, our minds draw to the future and the uncertainty that shrouds it… “who will I be? What will I do?” and other bothersome thoughts. Then, when we do look to our past, it can be filled with regret, pain, heartache, misery, and sorrow.

.

This may be true, but there is more to this truth than we generally realise. For there was a person who endured. A “you” who weathered that journey.

.

I would like to invite you, at this time of Remembrance, to give thanks to those who sacrificed so much but also to pay homage to that younger “you” who, in the same spirit as those who fell during the World Wars, fought hard and strong and very much might still be fighting to this day.

.

With the honour and respect that we give our fallen, give to yourself right now.

.

As we remember the sacrifice those soldiers gave, you too remember that you might have made sacrifices… but above all else, remember that YOU are here.

.

As brightly and proud as the memory of those in battle, remember that YOU can keep going.

.

For this moment, look back in compassion, in appreciation, in gratitude, and in love.

.

By your hands, you’re still here.

.

————————————————————————————-

Jay Cotton – Integrative Psychotherapist