Where we were

It doesn’t matter how old you are, people love those where we were moments that carry you back to a past moment. They can be triggered by a smell, song, or random things.

I’m sitting in a waiting room, listening to music. Tom Petty’s “Free Falling” plays in the background, barely audible above the hubbub and commotion.

That song brings a smile to my face, every time I hear it. At one point in my life, I was jammed into a small airplane’s cargo area. I was crouched on my knees. Beside me was another petite young woman.

She and I were belting out the lyrics to the song. The only music joining us was the rattle of the airplane and shouts of our jump master. That song will forever bring me back to that moment in time. It was one of those where we were moments that stay etched in memory.

When I was younger, I had a traumatic event. It made me scared and that feeling was miserable. I vowed to never accept the helpless feeling again. It launched me into exploring things that scared me.

Two lessons I want to share with you. Those things that scare you, the best thing to do is face them head on. When you stand tall, they can’t. If you shrink, they grow.

Whenever something bad happens, there is a lesson to learn. Grab it with both hands, mourn the loss, and then let it go. But keep the lesson and share it if it can save someone else from pain.

Which songs or smells spark memories for you?