"みんなには二つの記憶がある。話せる記憶と、それにくっついているもの、起こったことの暗くてネバネバした跡。"

Imagine you’re chatting with a friend at your favorite coffee shop. Maybe you’re reminiscing about the good old days, and suddenly, the past doesn’t seem all rosy. You've got the funny stories, the sweet moments—those memories you share easily. But then there’s that other layer. The stuff you don’t talk about. That’s what this quote is getting at. We all have two kinds of memories: the ones we’re comfortable sharing and the ones that are like a sticky residue we just can’t seem to shake off. It’s those darker experiences, the hard times, the regrets, and the things that hurt.

Think back to when this was said. Maybe it was during a moment of deep reflection—someone piecing together their past, realizing how complex it is. Or perhaps it was a writer trying to illustrate the human condition, the dual nature of our recollections. This concept resonates because we’ve all been there. We all have our public face and then the private, hidden side that we carry with us.

Take a detailed real-life example. Think about veterans returning from war. On one hand, they have stories of camaraderie and heroism—memories they can share with family and friends. On the other hand, there's often trauma and horror—memories that are like that dark, sticky tar. They may not talk about these experiences, but they shape who they are. These hidden memories influence their reactions, their dreams, and how they see the world.

Now, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by acknowledging both sets of memories. When you’re reflecting on the past, don’t just gloss over the tough stuff. Embrace it. Talk to a close friend or therapist if you need to. This can be incredibly freeing. It’s about being honest with yourself, which can lead to a more authentic life. You learn to accept that not everything is perfect—and that’s okay.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a family reunion. Everyone’s swapping happy stories, but you’re haunted by that one Thanksgiving when everything went wrong. Maybe there was a big fight, or someone revealed a painful secret. You keep quiet because you don’t want to spoil the mood. But later, you talk to your cousin about it. Turns out, they remember it too, and opening up about it brings you closer. That’s the power of acknowledging both types of memories.

In essence, our pasts are multifaceted. By embracing both the shareable memories and the darker ones, you get a fuller picture of your life. You become more empathetic, not just to others, but to yourself. So, next time you’re deep in thought about your history, don’t shy away from the sticky stuff. It’s part of what makes you, you. And sharing it, even with just one person, can be incredibly healing. So go ahead, peel back that top layer and see what’s underneath. You might find it’s not as scary as you thought—just another part of the beautiful mess that is life.