Today Is Tomorrow’s Memory: A Mindset for Neurospicy Families

We’re often told how important it is to live in the moment, to be present, and to soak up the here and now. And I couldn’t agree more—putting down our phones, looking up, and truly experiencing the moment is so valuable. But there’s another layer to this, especially for neurospicy families, that I think is just as important: the idea that today is tomorrow’s memory.

This perspective has been a guiding light in my life since I was very small. It’s something I’ve shared with my daughter Lou as she’s grown up, and it’s helped us both navigate the highs and lows of life. Whether we’re embracing a joyful experience or enduring a difficult one, this mindset can be a powerful tool for both children and adults.

The Power of Positive Memories

When something wonderful happens, reminding yourself that you’re creating a memory can actually help you stay in the moment even more. It’s a way to ground yourself and soak up the experience fully, knowing that it will be something you can revisit in the future.

Take my wedding day, for example. I was determined to remember every detail of it—not just the big moments like the vows, but the little things, too. Every so often, I would stop, take a breath, and really notice what was happening: the faces around me, the chatter and laughter, even the feel of the fabric of my dress. Because I made a conscious effort to capture those moments, I can still replay that day vividly in my mind, even 26 years later. I remember the food we ate, the jokes that made us laugh, and the joy of seeing our loved ones together.

This isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone, especially neurospicy children who might find their minds darting around a thousand miles a minute. But teaching them to pause and notice can help them anchor themselves to the moment and build those positive memories to carry with them.

A Lifeline in Difficult Times

This idea isn’t just for the good times—it’s a lifeline in the harder moments too. When life feels overwhelming, remembering that this too shall pass and that tomorrow it will just be a memory can help us push through.

When I was 13, I had a nasty fall at school and chipped the bone in my shin. The physical pain was bad enough, but what I remember most was the panic of the moment—sitting in the changing room as the PE teacher (who had clearly missed first aid training) tried to treat the wound with cotton wool. (Also, why was it always a PE teacher in the 80's?) I was queasy, scared, and utterly miserable. But even then, I clung to the thought: Tomorrow, this will just be a memory.

That simple mindset got me through. I knew that the pain and fear wouldn’t last forever. And sure enough, the next day came, and while my leg still hurt, the worst of the moment was behind me.

Teaching our children this perspective can be a game-changer. Neurospicy kids often feel things so deeply that tough moments can feel never-ending. But reminding them that tomorrow will still come, and today’s struggles will be behind them, can help them find a little hope and resilience to keep going.

The Dual Gift of Memories

Here’s the beauty of this idea: it works both ways.

• When life is joyful, teaching our kids to pause and notice what’s happening helps them savour those moments and carry them with them forever. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a family dinner, or a funny moment at home, those little joys become touchstones they can return to in their minds.

• When life is hard, reminding them that today will eventually just be a memory helps them get through the tough times. It gives them perspective and helps them hold on when the moment feels overwhelming.

As parents, we can model this mindset by talking about it openly. When something amazing happens, say: Let’s take a minute to soak this in—we’ll want to remember this forever. And when something challenging happens, remind them: This won’t last forever. Tomorrow, this will just be a memory.

Why "Today is tomorrow's memory" Matters for Neurospicy Families

For neurospicy kids, the world can feel like an intense place. Sights, sounds, feelings, and emotions can be heightened, and transitions between moments can be tricky. By giving them the tools to anchor themselves in the moment and the hope that hard times will pass, we’re equipping them with strategies they can carry into adulthood.

Whether it’s taking a mental snapshot of a joyful moment or leaning on the promise of tomorrow during a meltdown, this mindset helps build resilience and mindfulness. It’s a way to turn their incredible capacity for feeling deeply into a strength rather than a challenge.

Making Today’s Memories Together

Decide each moment, to keep the memory.

So today, take a moment to reflect on this with your child. Maybe share the idea with them: Today is tomorrow’s memory. Talk about how you can use this in different moments, whether it’s to cherish something wonderful or to cope with something hard.

And remember, as parents, we’re creating memories too. The way we respond to our children, the love and support we show them, and the moments we share are all part of the memories they’ll carry with them. Let’s make them ones worth revisiting.

After all, tomorrow will come—and today’s memory is waiting to be made.