I heard a joke once (I can’t remember where) but the punch line is something like “Am I going upstairs or down?”

That seems to be the story of my life these days. My memory is going. I never thought it would happen, but more and more I find myself forgetting what I went into a room to get, forgetting things, losing things. Now, names I used to remember easily sit on the tip of my tongue and I can’t get them out until hours later. It’s time to exercise my memory the same way I exercise my body, which also isn’t nearly in as good shape as it should be but that’s for another post.

Last week, I forgot to put something in my purse that has resulted in major inconvenience and a few words not fit to print. I thought it was there, but I’d apparently taken it out and forgot to put it back.

So I’ve resorted to making lists. I have lists everywhere – on my bulletin board in my office, on the refrigerator, on the bathroom mirror. Without a list, I’ll never remember what I need to buy at the grocery store, what I need to pack for vacation, etc. Now, if there’s something I can’t afford to forget to take, it’s on the list taped to the front door of my house so I can’t miss it.

I’ve been trying a new website www.lumosity.com that has exercises for your brain.

I’ve always enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. In fact, I used to create and sell them to one of the most popular puzzle magazines in the country. Lately, other things have filled my free time, but apparently doing puzzles is a great way to keep your brain healthy. Now where did I put that puzzle book?

And I’ve been paying more attention. Lately, my brain seems to be a bit scattered, trying to do three things at the same time. I used to be able to multi-task much more efficiently than I do now, so maybe it’s time to stop trying. I need to take notice of what I’m doing instead of being absent in the moment and working out other problems.

I’ll work on these three for a while and see if they help. I’ll let you know – unless I forget J

What about you? How’s your memory?

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