How many of you like to look back at old pictures from when you were a baby? I bet some of us do! Of course, those pictures can be embarrassing if they’re brought out in front of your friends. But one day, though, they will definitely be precious treasures that you’ll always want to keep.

It’s special to look back at old memories together with our loved ones, relive some of our amazing experiences, and remember how lucky we are to have each other. Some of my happiest memories with my parents from my childhood are of the adventures we had together, something that inspires us to make new plans and create fresh memories whenever we look at old photographs of our good times.

Reliving memories through looking at photographs can stimulate our brain to go back to those special moments and remind us of all the reasons we should be feeling grateful for. So, on days when we’re not feeling well or might be facing a challenge, we can use those visuals to transport ourselves back to those beautiful moments and to find reasons to pick ourselves back up and think positively.

The best photos are the ones that retain their impact over the years, regardless of the number of times they’ve been viewed. What I love most about an image is that it can cut across all national and political boundaries, it transcends the restraints of culture and language.

A photo library, whether in a digital form or in print, reminds us of beautiful moments from both the distant and recent past. Photos turn our thoughts toward the great experiences we’ve had, because we’re more likely to take pictures of cheerful times. When we have a look at old photographs containing pleasant memories, we stimulate happy thoughts in our minds and enter a state of gratitude.

So looking at photos that bring happy memories is very helpful when we want to lift our spirits and boost confidence.

Our memories help to make us who we are. They teach us amazing life lessons, help us to learn and grow, leave us feeling entertained and they elicit emotions about a memorable event. That is why it is important to not just make memories, but take a picture of them as well.

The good thing is that the digital cameras and smartphones today permit us to capture memories instantly, and also view and share them at once. So if we want to feel blessed, we should capture all the good moments we experience in photographs. Then find joy by reliving them when the days are long and dark. The silver lining will appear itself.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 10th, 2025