Revive From Archive

If I end up writing a book, I may call it: Revive connected moments From Archive for a meaningful present. (Revive From Archive for short)

The types of memories that I love are those that connect to others and that become more meaningful because of that connection.

Chronological photo albums are a great resource like a library, but we don't necessarily want to read every book. Chronological albums are like our photo library on our computers or on our phones. The meaningful moments can become lost in the clutter or what I like to call: the archive.

The Archive includes:

• photos - digital and printed
• videos - digital, cassettes and reels
• stories - written or remembered
• mementos

Just like a museum or gallery curates a collection for an exhibition; we can enjoy our memories better when we curate our collection or archive. 

Revive From Archive doesn't mean organizing our whole collection. Maybe you think that you have to organize your whole collection, but it's overwhelming so you procrastinate. Maybe you think that once you're retired or kids grow up that you'll get to it, but chances are that if you haven't done it yet, it will never be high enough priority for it to get done.

Let me offer a mindset shift. Rather than organizing all your photos, revive your most meaningful ones. 

I love going to the art gallery when they have exhibitions where they display pieces of art from various places in the world and connect them in a meaningful way. One of my favourite exhibitions was Impressionism in the Age of Industry at the AGO. They showcased all kinds of art dedicated to the theme of industry from the 1850's to early 1900's.

Although there is a timeline on this exhibition, they still focused on certain themes. They even made a connection between the Eiffel Tower and the CN Tower.

A few questions you can ask yourself include:

• Like a gallery or museum - which memories are part of your permanent collection? 
• Which are brought out for special exhibitions?
• What is front and center - first thing you see in your house? 
• What is the first story you tell when you meet someone and you want to tell them about your life?
• Which are private collections just for you? 
• Which are more obscure and kept on a top floor...for your biggest fans?

I hope to inspire you to revive some of your photos and memories and not let them be forgotten in the archive.