Image by gpointstudio on Freepik
Popularized by the movie Inside Out, the term “core memory” is making rounds not only all over social media but also within the professional fields.
Although not a real clinical concept, its meaning and influence have real implications. Everyone has them. They may not be referred to similarly as the movie does, but everyone has core memories. These can be associated with their first big family trip or the first award they got.
Regardless, a core memory is defined as people’s most important time in life, and what encompasses this differs from one person to the other. Universally, the concept captures the significance of memories in life.
To most, these are bygones or events meant to be forgotten. No matter how special they may seem, core memories are to be reminisced with fondness and nothing more. However, they’re proven to have long-term effects on life, especially in molding people.
What Are Core Memories?
Most people have little to no recollection of their childhood. When they think about how they were as kids, no significant memory typically pops into their minds unless parents remind them of their mischievousness. Bits of events may flash before one’s eyes, remnants of their past wishing to be recognized, but none of these would seem pivotal in their lives.
However, the movie Inside Out proposes that everyone has memorable moments with emotional weight over their identities. No matter how long since they occurred, core memories stick with people, evoking strong feelings of sadness, nostalgia, or excitement.
It might have been the movie that made the name, but the concept of memories as a foundation and contributor to people’s identity has long existed. Beyond being memorable and valuable, memories shape people’s outlook on life and influence their behaviors. Hence, the concept doesn’t only reflect the magic and enduring effects of memories but also the crucial role people, especially family, play in one’s life.
After all, besides the individual carrying them, who else creates these memories?
How to Create a Core Memory?
Family Memories with a Little Mystery In It details intricate family matters that influence how children grow to be who they can be as adults. Throughout its pages, readers are taught about making memories and uncovering family secrets in Jamie Pulos-Fry’s book. It encompasses what makes up a healthy family and its role in children’s development. As their first crowd, their primary source of influence, the family plays a consequential role in molding and teaching children.
Jamie shows how moments and memories leading to a positive impact are made.
There’s a reason why core memories are likely to be remembered and treasured. Events that are associated with strong emotions are turned into these special recollections. The foundation of childhood, these memories are often built with families and healthy connections they’ve created.
Core memories may not necessarily be happy. Some can be marked by horror and helplessness. Hence, it’s every parent’s responsibility to ensure these are triggered by positivity.
Unplugged Family Time
Core memories are created through genuine connections and emotions. One way to achieve this is for parents to allocate undivided attention to their children. The more parents pay close attention to their children, the more they will feel valued. Hence, with this genuine, sincere connection, children will easily value whatever moment they share with their parents.
This unplugged family time can be spent at family dinners, game nights, or simply being with each other. The secret is to form authentic relationships first, and any bonding will automatically be a treasured memory.
Outdoor Adventures
With children typically spending their time stuck to their gadgets, parents can make special memories by inviting them to do something different. These special events will be rerouted to an equally unique room in their brains to be remembered as worthwhile episodes. Outdoor adventures don’t have to be extremely risky or daring—especially with children. They can be as simple as strolling in the park or a backyard picnic.
Family Celebrations
What’s a better way to make special memories with family than by creating a unique tradition?
Core memories are created when special events are made extra special to stand out and be easily remembered. This can be achieved when families can establish a consistent tradition within their households, routines they can religiously follow that strengthen their bonds and create lasting memories everyone can look back to.
It’s best to remember that core memories aren’t necessarily about grand gestures or expensive adventures. Instead, these can be about meaningful small moments that create strong, genuine connections and lasting bonds. If you’re interested in reading concrete examples of how these memories are made, purchase the book by Jamie Pulos-Fry!