April 19, 2012 | 12:26 am

Remember: When was the last time you appreciated your ability to simply remember?

Posted by Samira Asemanfar

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Remembering.
Sometimes I take the the smallest of abilities for granted. You can probably relate. When was the last time you appreciated your ability to simply remember?

Personally, I am always trying to find new perspective in order to grow. I take on new hobbies. I read books. I travel to far away countries. I make new friends and pick their brains. I take strides and stretch all in search of new perspective. But often, all it takes is to remember the same thing at different times in my life. Every year on February 22nd, I remember the first day I opened my business as a 22 year old. Each time I remember, I have new perspective and new feelings that arise, simply from remembering that one day. Sometimes the memory sparks inspiration for new creative ideas to implement in my business. Other times, it brings gratitude for my growth and success. Always, the simple act of remembering brings value to my life and my personal and business growth.

I really believe our brain is our most powerful tool. Take a moment right now to appreciate the simple ability to elicit a feeling from just remembering a single moment. This is one of our many gifts as conscious beings.
Remembering may inspire us in our present moment to create a better future for ourselves.
Remembering may help us implement useful boundaries in our lives.
Remembering may help us stop and be conscious the next time we are faced with the same experience. 
And more importantly, remembering can help us help others who may not have had our unique experience.

In honor of Yom HaShoah: “Remembering the past is a sacred responsibility that links us to past generations, inspires us in the present, and keeps us focused on the future.” - Stacey Jill Zackin