[Partless]

I'm not talking about traumatic memories necessarily, just any memories. I went for therapy some years back and my therapist told me that one way to get better is to try to remember my past, and get my sense of identity from there. That was one of his suggestions but I never followed up on it and only focused on pressing matters at the time I was seeing him.

But recently I've become interested in remembering the past and it's very difficult. I remember some things, like recently the from a couple of years ago then nothing for a while, then other memories that don't have a time or sometimes I'm not sure of the place, like me playing basketball with a few kids but can't remember where or when, even roughly.

In short, the amount of things I remember about my past (I'm in my 30s) is surprisingly limited. Yet I was the kind of kid who was in touch with my memories and had a vivid internal life. Sometimes I see something on TV and suddenly I think oh that's how dad used to crack nuts, with his teeth, I remember! But I have no methodical way to go about this. And it bothers me so much. I don't have access to childhood pictures, and also my parents are going through a rough times (maybe divorce?) so nobody's exactly in the mood to talk about the past with me. I appreciate any help like books or methods that worked for you personally. Thank you!

[bluekoi]

Hello Partless, If you don't receive any good ideas in a few days, try posting your question here -

Clyde's Corner - Forums at Psych Central