A Memorial Day For Everything You Should Never Forget

Hello from The Riskology Lab here in Portland, OR, and happy Memorial Day. I’m spending the day relaxing and staying away from all the ridiculous sales that seem to spring up around every holiday that can be capitalized on in The States. If you need a new mattress, car, or outfit, today’s the day to get it!

If you’re not familiar, Memorial Day is a holiday here in The U.S. we take to honor our veterans and soldiers and remember the sacrifices they’ve made that allow us to live the comfortable and happy lives we enjoy.

Today is for our veterans and soldiers at home, but—around the world—many people, places, and things are memorialized at different times and for different reasons. It’s a fine tradition. If something is important and meaningful to you, memorialize it! Give it the time for remembrance it deserves so you never forget why it’s important and the effect it has on your life.

In my opinion, one of the best ways to honor veterans is to not make more of them. So, I spend some time on Memorial Day reminding myself of all those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice on my behalf, and how important it is to question those in power who beat the war drum and try to manipulate us with fear. The fewer soldiers needing memorials, the better the world will be.

But this need not be a political thing. I also like to memorialize other days for other reasons. The choices I’ve made for my life, the habits I’ve created, the people who’ve inspired me to live better. They all deserve their own moment.

Sometimes, I’ll look at my passport photo from 6 years ago—back in the dark ages of the 36″ waist— and remind myself why I continue to strive for a healthy diet and regular exercise. I’ll look back over more than four years of writing and remember how important it is to do what you love, and do it consistently. And I like to look back on my travels and adventures—the parts of my life that have most shaped my world view—as a reminder of how critical it is to regularly step outside your comfort zone.

Whether you live in The U.S. or somewhere far on the other side of the world, no matter where you’re from, who you are, or what you believe in, you can have your own personal memorial day for anything that’s important to you.

In my life, there are many things I’ve done and decisions I’ve made—both good and bad—that should not be forgotten. Remembering them and why they’re important helps me lead a better life today and tomorrow.

If there’s something important in your life—a decision you’ve made, a habit you’ve created, etc.— or someone who’s been instrumental in steering your life in a better direction, celebrate once in awhile with your very own memorial day. It’ll make you a smarter risk taker and lead you towards the life you know in your heart you want to lead.