Last year I ran the Warrior Dash with exhilaration and excitement. It was even more amazing than I though it could be. At the end of the event we all were awarded medals to show the accomplishment. While the physical gratification is great I started to think about what did I do with that medal?

To be honest, I don’t really care. As I get older I’ve realized that there are a lot of physical things you will acquire in your life. A lot of things that can be too easy to tie sentimental value too.  But that’s just it. It’s just a feeling it brings to you and only you. It’s a trigger for a memory you’ve created in your head. Whether good or bad a memory that will often last or linger. 

For some reason I’ve always wanted to have consolation prizes for the things I’ve done, to show others that I can do this or I’ve done that. While there’s a right time for these, most of the times it’s unnecessary. I don’t need to collect things to show a memory. I need to be a better story teller. If not told through words, through pictures and video. That’s what makes a memory real. 

All of these physical things collect dust and take up space. While it feels internally good to share something that has sentimental value, it’s just a thing to most others. Instead, tell vibrant stories and bring that moment back to life.

If not, go somewhere with someone and create new memories, new stories to share. Rinse and repeat. Make more memories, not collect things.