Freud called our earliest memories screen memories. Even if these first memories actually happened, the way we recall them may be dream-like, as if obscured by a screen that distorts them. They may be influenced by stories others have told us or reflective of unconscious wishes we had at the time. Think back … what is one of your first memories? Do you think this early memory really happened the way you recall it? Share your first memory stories forward.

People either love it or hate it. When we baby boomers were in grade school, it was common to give cute little Valentine cards to the kids we liked, and not to the ones we didn’t like. Ouch. As adults, we might choose the day to mush on one special person, or to remind a few people how much we love them, usually in shades of red, and usually with a card, candy, flowers, a poem, or all of the above. We might even propose marriage, or get married. Think back…to a special Valentine’s Day or gift given or received. Share your Valentine’s Day stories forward.

Every four years of our lives there has been a presidential inauguration held on January 20th. Some have been more memorable than others, for the weather, the participants, or the impact on our country. Think back … to years past or just last week. What do you recall from these important ceremonies, for good or for ill, and how were you affected by them? Share your inaugurations stories forward.

Did you ever take some action to right a wrong? The late Congressman John Lewis, who devoted his life to racial justice and equality, famously said, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” Think back … Did you ever get in good, necessary trouble? It need not be a political action. It could be something seemingly minor like taking a stand at a PTA meeting or writing a letter to the editor. What did you do and what was the consequence? Share your good trouble stories forward.