CONNECTED: Finite Memories Matter
CONNECTED: Why Our Finite Memories Matter Most: What Time Can’t Take Away
Steve Ghikadis is visiting West Hill, and he's bringing the inspiration. Join Steve, as he explores the profound value of human memory in shaping who we are. In a life that may last only about 100 years, our memories of love, laughter, challenges, and growth become treasures that time cannot erase.
Drawing on humanist perspectives, his talk examines how our finite lives make certain moments precious, why nostalgia deepens their significance, and how the memories we carry and share, form our lasting legacy.
Join Steve, and West Hill, for stories, reflections, and guided exercises, and connect with that deep appreciation for the fleeting yet enduring power of the moments that define a life well-lived.
Watch the gathering here
Readings - Steve Ghikadis, Humanism from the Heart
“When people talk about meaning or purpose, they usually refer to something larger, something that exists in the grand scheme of life here on Earth. They often believe that they have a destiny, a plan laid out before them… a path they must follow. Something they need to achieve before their time runs out. It’s as if there’s an invisible blueprint guiding their every step. A divine map charting out their journey.
This belief can be comforting. It suggests that someone or something has given them a purpose, and without that purpose, they feel adrift, as if they are nothing. But I’m here to tell you that’s simply not true. You are something. I am something. We are all something. What that something is, though… that’s entirely up to you. No one else can define your worth. No one else can dictate your ambitions or tell you who you are meant to be. You are the arbiter of your own destiny. You hold the reins, shaping your own meaning, crafting your own purpose, and building your own life.
Sure, some forces can hold you back. Things beyond your control: illness, toxic relationships, negative environments, and so on. These can feel like insurmountable barriers at times. But ultimately, it’s you who’s in charge of your response. As long as you’re not harming others in the process, then do you!
For me, my family embodies my meaning. They are my purpose; they are my life. Everything I do revolves around them. I would go to great lengths for them, because they give me the motivation to take care of myself, so that I can be present for them, for as long as I can. My family has shown me that my life has value, and that I matter. Not just to myself, but to them as well.
Don’t let anyone convince you that life is meaningless without a perceived given purpose. Even those who say such things are operating under the belief that their meaning and purpose come from an internal source, like the love they feel for their family. Or a personal desire to see things through, in their own way they just might not see it clearly yet.
If they were to relinquish the notion of a preordained destiny, they won’t simply vanish. They won’t be lost forever. They might feel disoriented for a while, sure, but eventually, they would be just like those of us who have discovered our own meaning and purpose. They would be compelled to confront reality. They would be forced to open their eyes, to feel and truly see. In the end, they would uncover the essential truth of our existence.
All we have is each other. We are interconnected in this wild ride called life, sharing experiences, struggles, joys, and sorrows. This connection is where we often find our truest sense of purpose. It’s not about waiting for a grand destiny to unfold but recognizing the significance of the relationships we nurture and the love we share. It’s about finding joy in the little moments, in laughter, in tears, in the bonds we create with one another.
So, embrace your journey. Forge your path. Don’t wait for permission to claim your worth. The world is waiting for you to shine your light, share your unique gifts, and build a legacy that is solely yours. You are not just here to fulfill a purpose handed down to you—you are here to create one that resonates with your heart, your values, and your dreams. That is your power, your privilege, and your truth.”