Charm bracelets – did it wear one in high school?
A few weeks ago, a good friend (Thanks, Mary Ann) showed her high school charm bracelet on Facebook and asked if anyone else wore one like hers when we were younger. The response was so fun and brought back many memories.
So I looked. I pulled out the step stool to reach that high shelf in the closet where the old jewelry box rested covered with dust. Nostalgia descended upon my soul as I sort and sifted through classic pieces from my mom and from my life many moons ago. Old pins. Nameplates from first jobs. Not working watches worn by an elderly long gone saint who still lives in my heart.
Finally, I found it and slowly touched each captured moment from my teen years.
Capturing the Past
What is or would be on your childhood charm bracelet? Not only is this fun but also remind us of our roots and early experiences that formed our souls. Come on, let’s share. Even men could at least imagine what symbolized their past.
For me?
- Music symbols – a guitar and band emblem. Why don’t I listen to much music anymore?
- Trip memories – New Orleans, Washington DC, Florida. Traveling continues to be a passion
- Pen and Quill – an image carrying the hints of my deep desire to be a writer
Cherishing the Present
I don’t wear a charm bracelet now; in fact, I don’t wear much jewelry at all. I guess some people are into the expensive Pandora charms. I googled charm bracelets and was surprised to find them still in style and available.
But this journey into the past stirred my imagination to wonder what if? What if I had a charm bracelet today, what would be its trinkets? What fun to imagine this.
- Pen
- An opened book
- Computer
- Calendar
- Candle
- Cross
- Heart for family and friend
- Airplane, car, or cruise ship
- Tree of life – my spiritual symbol
- Butterfly, bird, or dragon fly
How do you cherish the present? Charm bracelets would be one way. I savor moments in my words through journaling and writing. Maybe you paint or sketch?
I love photography. Photo albums fill up another closet in my house. Take a moment and scroll through your photo app on your phone. Amazing memories leap into our minds.
How do you capture the present?
Future Charm Bracelets
I wonder what future charms wait to be discovered and explored. The pen, writing, and travel cultivated deep roots throughout my life. Yet unknown areas may blossom in fresh seasons. God does love to surprise us with new adventures if we are willing to go.
Revisiting an archaic piece of jewelry reminded me of the preciousness of the past and the pricelessness of the present. I rush through life, getting things done, nose to the grindstone, preoccupied with distractions and busyness and miss God’s richness captured in moments of grace all around us.
I am grateful Mary Ann invited me to stop, savor, and sample life. And life tasted delicious and delightful.
What was or would be on your charm bracelet?
I loved my charm bracelet! It looks much likes yours. I don’t wear much jewelry either, but I still have my charm bracelet (somewhere). My granddaughter had fun looking through all my bracelets this week. I’ll have to show her my charm bracelet next. She will love it. 🙂
Isn’t it fun to revisit our bracelets? I wasn’t expecting such memories and ideas though. What a neat surprise that was. I like your idea of showing it to kids and grandkids too. great idea.
You piqued my curiosity, Jean. ‘Had to check if any charms on my ancient(!) bracelet still held meaning for who I am today. Found out the only one would be the cross! Two others relate to travel, two are gifts from the travels of my in-laws, one was from Spanish Club. There’s also an “N” and a “Sweet Sixteen.” I see two empty spaces; perhaps those charms were removed to wear as necklaces. Were I to create a bracelet for my adult self, I’d “need” an apple to represent 26 years in the classroom, a pen & quill like yours for my interest in writing, definitely a book–maybe a little Bible–and three baby rattles for our three children and three grandchildren. I’d also add a starfish for our 40 years in Florida and a tiny church for those same years my husband served as a pastor. That’s a total of 8 charms–my virtual bracelet is getting heavy enough! That was fun, Jean!
yes this was fun. I really had to hunt to find mine but so glad I did. Glad you enjoyed this post, Nancy
Oh I love that you’ve re-designed a charm bracelet for your 2021 self, Jean. You’ve inspired me to do the same … interesting how much we’ve changed and how much has stayed the same!
Yes so much the same and so different too. I thought this was a fun and insightful practice. Happy weekend, Linda!
I’m pretty sure I still have my old charm bracelet, Jean. I do recall that there was a guitar, as I played, a cheerleader megaphone, a dog, but I’m not sure what else. Now, you’ve got me wanting to go on a serious hunt for it! Yes, it’s fun to recall the past, but we need to also focus on the charms of the present and be open to charms offered in the future.
Blessings!
Isn’t it fun to remember this part of our life. Like it is still there but buried underneath a world of other events. Good moments to cherish.