Keeping up with the good moments

Maybe it was the first time hearing that song that always hits, or a more quietly warm moment with a loved one. Think back to a time you felt really good - that kind of moment you wanted to stretch out just a little longer. Whatever it is, these moments are more than just nice experiences - they shape our growth, fuel creativity, and boost overall wellbeing.

We know life isn’t just a highlight reel. Feeling the full spectrum of emotions isn’t just unavoidable; it’s essential. That’s why there’s been decades of studying into coping - how we process the harder stuff. But there’s been little in the way of studying savouring, or how we make the good stuff last. In fact, prior to the ‘80s, no one really paid attention to this, until psychologist Fred Bryant kicked off a four-decade dive into how we can extend and amplify positive experiences.

According to Jessica Borelli, professor of psychological science at the University of California, our brains are wired to fixate on “where the smoke is coming from”. This survival instinct to focus more on the negative means we don’t naturally take the time to sit with and absorb those good moments. Here’s a process to change all that. 

One: Anticipate
Hype yourself up. Looking forward to something sets the tone before the moment even happens and makes it that much easier to turn into a lasting, feel-good memory.

Two: Reframe
Imagine your future self looking back on this experience. What makes it meaningful? This mindset shift helps you appreciate the moment now, and makes the tough ones feel a little less heavy.

Three: Engage
Lock it in. Notice the details - the sights, sounds, smells. Take a photo, scribble a note, make a voice memo. The more you absorb now, the easier it is to relive later

Four: Reflect

Revisit the moment. Savouring does take some effort but looking back, reminiscing, and letting yourself really feel it again is more than worth it.

So take a second. Look back, let it settle, and make it last.