Making "Clutch" Memories

One of the most interesting things I have learned about my life as an adult is that I have a handful of really good, clutch memories that I pluck from to define the joyous nature of my childhood. 

Like the time my father started a massive water fight in our house after we came home from school. 

Or when we wouldn't get out of the pool for dinner so they brought dinner to us and made us chirp like birds to get each bite put into our mouths. 

Or when my mom, before hosting a big party, thought it was a good idea to paint the kitchen cabinets. They turned out so ugly that my father woke us up early in the morning to paint anything on them to distract from the bad paint job!

There are themes to all of these "choice" memories. 

1. We were together. When I think back to these times, I can't remember anyone else being around. It's as if all else fades away and all you have is each other. Why? Because in each experience...

2. We were shocked. Yes! The shockingly out-of-the-ordinary experiences that we were thrown into made all expectations fade away. All of a sudden we were pioneers on uncharted territory. Everything was fair game and because of that...

3. The ordinary became extraordinary. A glass of water became a weapon. Kitchen cabinets became a canvas. A dinner became a game. 

What I am amazed about is that we all have this power everyday. This power to make a memory.

But we have to choose to do so. We have to help each other remember to shock the extraordinary out of the ordinary together. And that in doing so we will be brought closer together and leave with a story for a lifetime. 

Make sure you sign up for the only national family race series that shocks you with outrageous challenges using the ordinary.The Athens, GA race is fast approaching on September 6th! Sign up now by clicking here!

by Elizabeth Brantley