Today, I embark on a joyous journey through the tapestry of cherished memories that have shaped my life. It is a momentous occasion, and I find myself filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and encouragement.
In this milestone article, I aim to delve into the nostalgia that has captured the essence of bygone eras. Memories, like fragments of a kaleidoscope, come together to form a beautiful mosaic of experiences. I have carefully curated a collection of 100 great memories, encompassing various facets of life, each deserving of its own special place in my heart.
Within these recollections, I celebrate the profound impact of my relationships and the power of human connection. Friends who have stood by my side through thick and thin, family members whose love and support have been steadfast, and the transformative experiences of love itself. These memories remind me of the vibrant tapestry of relationships that have shaped my life.
Travel, a gateway to exploration and self-discovery, has gifted me with countless unforgettable moments. From breathtaking sunsets on distant shores to the thrill of immersing myself in new cultures, my travels have expanded my horizon and enriched my soul. These memories are a testament to the transformative power of stepping outside my comfort zone.
Self-growth, the journey of personal evolution, has been a constant companion on my path. Each milestone achieved, each lesson learned, and every triumph over adversity has shaped me into who I am today. These memories remind me of the strength and resilience that resides within me.
Passion, the fire that ignites my soul, has inspired me to pursue my dreams relentlessly. Whether it’s in film, art, creative projects, sports, or any other pursuit, these memories remind me of the moments when I was consumed by the sheer joy of creation and expression.
In the sphere of imagination, I find solace and inspiration within the pages of books, the frames of films, and the strokes of art. These memories transport me to different worlds, ignite my imagination, and evoke profound emotions. They remind me of the power of storytelling and the ability of art to touch my soul.
As I take this journey down memory lane, I invite you to join me in celebrating the richness of life and the profound impact of these cherished memories. Together, let us revel in the beauty of the past, savoring each memory like a precious gem. The memories are put in a chronological order.
The 1990s
- Listening to an audiotape of ‘Klaas Vaak’ before going to bed
- Going to Indoor Playgrounds for birthday parties in kindergarten
- Going on a surprise holiday to Hungary as a child
- Playing Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64 with my sister
- My first kiss that came as a total surprise by a much older teenage girl during a family camping trip to Ardeche, France
- That time when me and my sister had a fit of uncontrollable laughter in a sports shop
The 2000s
- Weekend sleepovers at my grandma
- The times when family life was in peace and we went to see movies together in the cinema like a real family
- Those cold evenings spend hugging the dog in front of the fireplace
- The prospect of watching another entry in the Harry Potter franchise in the cinema
- The shared meals with my favorite talking parrot called Flip
- The theater show we put on at camp when the other children wanted us to perform it again and again
- Having my first feelings of hormones rushing through me when a girl asked me to dance during my first summer camp
- Those days when there was something special about the air and the light from the sky
- Beginning a lifelong tradition of selecting my ‘Songs of the Year’
- The skitrip during the last year of middle school in Austria
- Feeding all our animals at our little farm at home
- Summer crushes during summer camps
- Witnessing ‘The Departed’ in cinema at the age of 13
- Waking up the morning after the Oscars 2007 and seeing that my favorite film ‘The Departed’ had won Best Picture on Teletext
- Meeting my best friend for life
- My first high school relationship
- That white Christmas when all seemed good and there was peace in the household
- Breaking the rules at a youth camp in Spain and go swimming at night with a small group
The 2010s
- Having a conversation with a high school teacher on the topic of art
- French camp at the age of 17
- Spending the last year of high school in boarding school
- That first shower I took at boarding school after a very tumultuous home situation
- The philosophical talks with the boarding school attendant
- Witnessing ‘The Social Network’ in cinema with a friend
- My first real love
- Receiving my diploma from high school
- My first time sleeping in the dorm of two friends right after high school and playing the boardgame Carcasonne
- Letting myself completely go on the song Everyday by Netsky at a party
- Spending two weeks in Bouillon with my best friend on a bizarre wild camping trip
- Discovering that I have ADD
- Being nominated for the school’s Jessica Award for my first final project ‘I Follow the Clouds’
- Looking outside my first appartement during difficult times and forgetting about all the hardship because of the view
- The mornings in college when we would watch films and debate them
- Spending 14 hours straight editing my film during a moment of hyperfocus
- Seeing my film professor be moved to tears by one of my short films
- Being amazed by the intruiging pacing and plot while watching ‘Gone Girl’ in the cinema with fellow film students
- When a film professor told me that my sensitivity is unique and precious
- That time when my shortfilm was selected to be on the DVD for best shortfilms of the year
- The feeling of acceptance when hired in a company that hired only young people who could share the upmost familial bond
- The summers spend at sea for work with colleagues where we work during the daytime and party at sundown
- My surprise birthday party for my 22nd birthday that was orchestrated by a couple of female colleagues of mine
- Experiencing hostel life in Budapest before and after the Balaton Festival
- The special bond that’s created with my sister through our mutual journey in hardship
- Being nominated for Best Documentary Short at ZagrebDox, Croatia
- Having sleepovers in a friend’s dorm during college years
- Graduating my Master Film with honours
- Becoming the high-roller at my first job and receiving an award for Best Pepper of the Year
- Dancing without inhibitions
- The nights spend with other people who have ADD and feeling a spiritual connection
- Going on my first solo trip through Italy
- Hearing the soundtrack for Harry Potter being played in the shopping streets of Oxford
- Hearing my favorite song ‘There Is Something About You’ by Odesza played live in the AB, Brussels
- Meeting my favorite band called Odesza, having them sign my LP, getting a picture with them and having a casual conversation afterwards
- Climbing Arthur’s Seat in Edinburg with friends
- The pubcrawl in Edinburgh
- Witnessing the beauty of Vietnam
- Starting my ‘One Second a Day’ videos during my trip in Vietnam
- Watching the UFC-fight between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov live with friends in our local Irish bar
- Making friends with a guy from New-Zealand and travelling together in Copenhagen
- The moment when I realized how amazing coffee is
The 2020s
- The long drives around the countryside during Covid
- Experiencing my first runner’s high after the first month of consistent jogging
- First date with my fiancée
- Going on a crazy adventure with my friends to the Black Forest in Germany
- Discovering the works of Alan Watts
- Times when I don’t drink
- Times when I meditate
- Times when I only eat and drink healthy things
- The period when I woke up at 5 am every morning
- That moment after months of hard work and dieting when I got a nice sixpack
- Those mornings when I combine reading a book with a fresh cup of coffee
- Kickstarting my film weeks where I see 100 films per year
- Rediscovering the wonderful meal called Paprika Cirke with Nokedli in Budapest 2021, after 21 years of not knowing what that great meal was I had as a child when visiting family in Balaton
- Februari 2022: challenging myself to write, film and edit a video each day of the month
- Being a part of the ‘Rabaukesweekend’: a weekend in Durbuy with my fiancée, her parents, sister, her man and their child
- Going on a 6 week vacation with my fiancée to Indonesia – Cambodia – Thailand
- The motorcycle rides through the beautiful South-East Asian countries with my fiancée
- Proposing to my fiancée at the Sewu waterfalls in Indonesia, and receiving the ‘Yes’-word
- Watching the sunrise on top of the mountain at Bromo, Indonesia
- Relaxing at the beach in Bali, Indonesia at night while listening to a live cover of ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries
- Following the daily routine of elephants at the sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Sleeping on the night train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Thailand
- Buying a house with my fiancée
- Having philosophical conversations with friends
- Attending a Q&A with Romanian director Christian Mungiu after the screening of his film ‘R.M.N.’ at the Film Festival in Gent
- Spending time with my godson and nephew, Dawson and Fabian
- Christmas with my sister, brother-in-law, nephews and my fiancée
- Going to a lecture by Jordan B. Peterson
- The day my fiancée and I created a day full of adventures for her niece
- The marriage between Robbe and Penny
- That one special project I was a part of while working for a TV production company
- Every time when me and my fiancée laugh uncontrollably
- The realization every day that I truly adore my partner
- The prospect of starting a family and getting a child with my fiancée in our house
Conclusion
Writing this list is an eye-opening experience for me. It makes me realize the chapters of my life. Reflecting upon the different decades, we can discern distinct themes that have shaped our experiences and molded us into the individuals we have become.
The 1990s, a time characterized by a need for peace within the household, evokes a sense of the search for warmth and stability. These memories remind us of the importance of nurturing and cherishing our familial relationships.
Moving into the 2000s, my memories are colored by the discovery of new feelings and experiences. It was a time of exploration, both in my personal life and in the world at large. I embarked on journeys of self-discovery, forged new friendships, and tasted the bittersweet flavors of love and heartbreak. These memories remind me of the transformative nature of emotions and the profound impact they have on our lives.
The 2010s brought with them a renewed focus on self-discovery and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. I sought to understand myself better and to unravel the mysteries of the world around me. This was a decade of personal growth, embracing opportunities for learning, and pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone. These memories remind me of the resilience and adaptability that reside within us.
And now, as I find myself in the 2020s, a new chapter unfolds. This decade has become a canvas for self-growth, the pursuit of starting a family, and the creation of a nurturing home. We strive to cultivate our passions, pursue meaningful careers, and build a foundation for the future. These memories remind us of the power of perseverance and the joy that comes from watching our dreams take shape.
Each recollection holds a unique significance, and together they form the tapestry of my existence, shared with so many people to whom I feel grateful. It’s humbling to stand still and reflect on all the lives that have touched and inspired me.
