Something I've seen in my 19+ years of providing tools for people to conveniently organize and preserve their memories from their photos, stories, etc., is that many people say they're overwhelmed and don't have time. Many people feel defeated before they even begin.
If "do something with my photos" is on your to-do list along with going to the post office and picking up the dry cleaning, I'm giving you not only permission but a recommendation to take it off!
There's a crucial reason for this.
Photos and Memories Don't Actually Belong on Your To-Do List
Your photos and memories (and stories and videos) don't belong on your to-do list because they are in a completely different category. Here's why.
Studies show that spending time with your photos and memories increases happiness, relaxation, self-esteem, a sense of belonging, and even betters your memory. It creates connections (an important antidote to many mental health struggles). It even creates perspective and a sense of power in your life.
They're good for your heart and soul. And that's shown in studies.
Getting the laundry done doesn't do those things for us. Getting the grocery shopping done doesn't do those things for us.
So, "do something with my photos" doesn't belong in the same place.
The Two-Fer
We tend to like to multi-task these days. Especially when we feel too busy, we like to get multiple things done at the same time. (I love doing this for mindless tasks!) There's such a focus these days on being productive, and we do certainly have many good things we want to accomplish.
So let me blow your mind.
"We often think productivity means to work. It doesn't. Productivity means to make intentional choices towards a goal. The choice could be to pause. The goal could be to replenish. Productivity could mean to rest." - Dr. Mona Masood
Here's your mind-blowing two-fer.
Putting your photos and memories in printed pages is a productive activity that at the same time serves as rest and replenishment!
Read that again. š
Because this is true, your photos don't belong on your to-do list. Instead, put them on your calendar like you would something that rejuvenates you like lunch with a friend or a vacation.
If you're ready to relax and rejuvenate, all the while being productive, all you need is your photos. Memory-keeping is magic. š
Looking back on photos is almost like taking a vacation. You take a break from today and re-visit the highlights of yesterday. Magic.
What Exactly Can I "Do With My Photos," Anyway?
There are lots of ways to save, organize, and share your photos (and memories and videos and stories), but photo experts recommend preserving them in print as well as digitally.
And, yes, you can even include videos in your printed pages! (Learn how at that link.)
My very favorite way to do this is using Forever because it offers such a wide variety of services for all my memories, no matter the format they're in. It's also really important to me that all my memories are private and lasting. Forever guarantees my photos and videos and digital versions of the books I print are accessible for future generations and keeps them private--and even triple-backed up!
And if you're looking for something quick, be sure you check out the Design & Print (or Create & Print) option. Easy peasy.
You can get started with Forever here, no matter where your memories are (even VHS tapes), and you'll find videos tutorials at that link as well.
NOTE: I am a Forever affiliate (a decision I made because I love it so much), so you will find affiliate links in this post, from which I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Put "Do Something with My Photos" on your calendar as Me Time, Down Time, or Relaxation Time because it's truly that. You can even do it with friends if that helps you keep your appointment with yourself, do it!
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