It seems to me that most humans value their past: the good and the bad, the joy and the sorrow, the successes and the failures. We come to realize that every experience and every relationship has affected our life, making us who we are today; indeed, even the simple comments of friends, lovers, colleagues and mentors may have had a significant influence.
While dwelling on the past or obsessing over perceived mistakes are nonproductive exercises, memories offer insight and fuel our capacity for change. We need not "live in the past" to improve our future but, as they say, experience is the best teacher.
Staying in touch with old friends and mentors is an acknowledgement that we value their contribution. Unlike social media, through which we are bombarded with the personal thoughts, advice and experiences of countless past acquaintances, direct communication with those who were close to us is a gesture of gratitude.
