When did you last sit down and look through old photos?
Most of us have hundreds of photos we never look at. Albums in the loft, prints in a shoebox, thousands of pictures saved on our phones.
This week, why not take 15 minutes for a little hygge moment and look through old photos, slowly? Not to sort or tidy them. Just to enjoy them.
A single dog-eared album is plenty.
Make it cosy
Before you start, set yourself up:
- An old photo album, a box of prints or your phone’s camera roll
- A comfy seat with good light
- A warm drink by your side
- A blanket if the evening is chilly
- Notifications switched off if you are using your phone
Your 15 minutes of memories
- Choose one album or year. Keep it small so you can take your time.
- Go slowly. Look at each photo properly before you move on.
- Remember the moment. Where were you? What could you hear and smell?
- Notice the details. Old hairstyles, a favourite jumper, a room long changed.
- Pick a favourite. Choose one photo that makes you smile the most.
Slow it right down
Old photos can bring up all kinds of feelings, happy and bittersweet. That is all part of it. Go gently with yourself.
As you look, try to notice:
- The faces of people you love
- The little details you had forgotten
- How a photo can bring back a whole day
- The warm feeling of a happy memory
Finish gently
When you are done, put your favourite photo somewhere you will see it, on the fridge, in a frame or as your phone background.
You could also:
- Look through photos with a family member and share stories
- Send a favourite old photo to someone who is in it
- Print a few phone photos to keep in an album
- Write a line on the back of a print to remember the day
Your 15-minute challenge
This week, give yourself 15 minutes.
Find your photos. Make a warm drink. Get comfy.
Then look through them slowly, one at a time.
It does not have to be the whole collection. It does not have to be organised.
It just has to be a moment to remember.
Your memories are worth slowing down for.
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