The remembering self: Its role in creating a satisfying life in the long term

The remembering self narrates the story of your life. It is the part of you that thinks of your past failure as a valuable learning lesson. It is also the part of you that regrets wasting time on an otherwise enjoyable TV show. It does not bother with the present moment. Instead, it concerns itself with the story of your past and future. The remembering self is satisfied when you do something meaningful. It is thought to play a significant role in decision-making and can sometimes lead you to prioritize long-term goals over short-term enjoyment. As such, it ensures you do not sabotage your future happiness for today's fleeting pleasure. However, the remembering self can also fall into traps. For example, if you have a negative view of your past experiences, you can become less open to enjoying new things. Similarly, if you focus too much on the future, you may neglect experiences you should enjoy in the present. A healthy balance between satisfying the remembering self and pleasing the experiencing self is the key to overall well-being and happiness. If you focus too much on your past and future life story, you risk missing out on the present pleasures of life. But if you focus too much on present enjoyment, you will risk your overall life satisfaction. Life is the moment-to-moment experience you encounter. It is also the story you tell yourself. Striking a balance in making your two selves happy will lead to a fulfilling life.