338: Helen Newman—What Are Your Memories Of Growing Up, And Why Are They So Important To You Now?

<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Hear how memories impact you now and guide your future</strong></span></p> <p>What are your memories of growing up? Your friends? Neighborhood? Life-changing moments in our society? In today's podcast, Helen Newman, a friend from my elementary school (Davis Elementary School in New Rochelle, NY) and I discuss the power of memories. Although we had different experiences in high school (she was in a sorority, I was president of the Salmagundi Club), we both experienced the good times and not-so-good times of the 1960s. The funny thing about memories is that they're selective. We pick and choose the ones that fit our own story, often one where we are the heroes and we forget what others were struggling with or enjoying all around us. I guarantee that after listening to Helen, you will be amazed at her wisdom and joy.</p> <p><strong>Helen writes about something every month.</strong></p> <p>Sometimes it is about why that month means something to her. Other times, she writes about old friends and new ones. But in today's conversation, we go deeply into the anguish we all felt during high school. If you were alive then, you like us will forever ask: "Where was I when John F. Kennedy was shot?" We even remember what we were wearing.</p> <p>We also talk about how we felt when our biology teacher, Mrs. Schwerner, lost her son during the civil rights unrest in the South. And the conflicting passions surrounding the Vietnam War. To state the obvious, we grew up in very challenging times.</p> <p><strong>This month (November), she wrote about our autograph books.</strong></p> <p>It was hysterical to remember what people wrote about. Her book was filled with poignant, loving, sincere and sentimental sayings, like: "Helen and whomever, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G." You remember those. Her favorite, and mine as well: “When you get old and out of shape, remember girdles are $2.98.” Sadly, they don’t make autograph books anymore, and I would have to dig into my attic to find mine. But