A Simple Guide To Remembering Your Life

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This is a video that I've wanted to create for a long time now.
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Timestamps:
00:37 - Part I: Stories
03:40 - Part II: Attention
08:22 - Part III: Don't be a Passenger

[@1endlesssoul]

“Sometimes when you’re in a dark place you might think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted. Get ready to bloom.”🌱

[@IshaSharma11]

Exactly. So beautiful

[@nickelsanddimes4890]

Awesome!

[@MadisonBailee]

i love this, thank you so much for sharing

[@iammilorex]

This is a Joel Osteen quote I think.

[@nxptum9343]

thank you for sharing this quote, i needed it :D

[@MisterPol]

Can we take a moment and appreciate how well edited Nathaniel's videos are?

[@MisterPol]

you're a big inspiration man!

[@SamDCote]

Absolutely wonderful- this one is even better than usual!

[@tano0oj]

And well shot too!

[@diamonds8001]

🎉

[@pipioun861]

Right! Like small beautiful documentaries- love it!

[@illneas]

I like to say that "memory" is my favorite film director, the photography is on point, the story is vivid and the editing invisible.

[@robertmcdonnell3117]

hahahhah nah bro you didn't really type that up?

[@amaartiflex1439]

That means you haven't watched any of Wes Anderson's films jk sorta

[@bingus1508]

@@robertmcdonnell3117 what do you mean by that exactly?

[@iammilorex]

@@bingus1508 he means human memory/ a person's memory

[@howmaneverton9630]

the squel to "memory" "another memory" gave it a total new perspective thou.

[@bbacalhau]

I feel like I’m watching some Netflix documentary or something! Btw I appreciate the plug man 👊🏼

[@monicalfonzo]

"If you want to remember your life, make things. And make things that require effort and time, that test your patience, that push you. These are the things that are gonna really matter when you look back on your life" thank you.

[@rachelgregory888]

But you don't need to remember your life. The past is irrelevant. How does obsessing about memories help you stay present? To me it's rather pointless and self-indulgent. Spending time documenting everything - why? You could be doing something useful by being of practical service to others. Imagine if everyone spent their time documenting their life like this. I mean really.

[@monicalfonzo]

@@rachelgregory888 The past is only irrelevant if you think it is. To me, creating memories is important cause short-term, it brings me pure joy to think I dared, I stood up, I felt alive. And fast-forward, it's the only thing that'll live after I die.

[@douloureux.]

@@rachelgregory888 to get to know yourself. We all live in the past, whether it’s intentional or not. Every experience influences the next. Spending some time analyzing yourself and your responses and experiences can help you in the future. If you feel like this is not worth it, then don’t do it. Who are you to say whether it’s worth it or not? To each their own.

[@rachelgregory888]

@@douloureux. Sorry what do you mean "who are you to say whether it's worth it or not?" That's my opinion, which I have a right to vocalize. This is a public platform and my opinion is just as valid as anyone else's. I said what I said, punto.

[@willhelliwell]

@@rachelgregory888 nobody is saying to obsess. Take it to what ever level you like. Memories provide lessons, guidance, meaning, joy and so many things. I love documenting my life. Nobody else has to see it but it helps me be present and reflect on the days and weeks instead of just letting them pass. As for your comment about it being pointless... well, some of the best things in life are pointless.

[@nessaelessar]

I've been keeping a diary since 2003. Out of paranoia, I made digital copies of all of them over time (I'm currently in book 76). I then added all my photos and other memories with a coded file name so everything is in chronological order and searchable. I ended up with 20 GB of files that now represent my life in the past eighteen years. It was incredibly time-consuming to set this all up and it still is (naming and sorting through photos, scanning diaries etc.) but it is so worth it. I'm always able to say in which year something happened and I can always look up what I was thinking about at the time. Whatever happens, this is a treasure I will always be able to keep.

[@kristiinasbk1484]

That's amazing!! You have inspired me

[@douloureux.]

That is such a beautiful way to look back at life! Do you do it often?

[@monroeharris9146]

i love that! i have been journaling everyday for over a year now, and i was wondering how do you make digital copies of each page? because i probably have almost 1000 pages of writing

[@reveuse2282]

@Ephraim yess I feel the same. Even tho I put up my thoughts from timeto time. But my main outlet is a mixture of videos, images, and writings

[@stefandesu]

Could you share more about your system, i.e. how you structure your folders, name your files, etc.? That would be really helpful!

[@DerekBearzi]

Absolutely loved the idea of not being a passenger, watching your life slip by is one of my biggest fears in life. This gives me an even greater sense of urgency when it comes to following my dreams and passions. If you do what you love, there will be nothing to regret at the end.

[@jimmycrackedcorn214]

Who knew we have a choice right?

[@johnnyharris]

this is so helpful. I tend to think of remembering my life in terms of organizing photos. This video is a really strong theoretical version of remembering that I want to integrate more into my life.

[@calebcasolaro5454]

I thought of your video! Was wondering if Nathaniel had seen yours.

[@nihalh6482]

Why is it that you don't have a tick mark?

[@lukas_mjs]

absolutely loved your video!

[@AhmetKaan]

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” *―C. S. Lewis*

[@levijeffers61]

I have my moments in life which I call "Little Infinities" These are simply moments that I think "This doesn't feel real" or "This moment shouldn't have to end" But I believe they don't. Whether it's simply staring at an amazing sunset or holding someone you love. I truly think that these moments last forever. Maybe not for us, but that's part of the beauty. These moments stand alone in time forever, allowing you to go make more. Hold on to these moments the best you can, but when it's time... let the little infinities go wherever little infinites go.

[@SyNcLife]

0:37 - Stories 3:40 - Attention 8:22 - Don't be a passenger Thanks man, I needed this right now.

[@IshaSharma11]

Thanks, for briefing

[@jorgleiger]

"If you want to remember your life: MAKE THINGS. And make things that are hard and require effort and time, that test your patience and push you. These are the things that are gonna really matter, when you look back on your life." - 9:52 That hit so hard! I really needed this, thank you! May have cried my way through the Skillshare ad 😭

[@IshaSharma11]

Exactly. ✔

[@LucyAlllan]

There's even more joy in documenting when you do it only for yourself: not to be posted online, not to be told but just kept to yourself :)

[@IshaSharma11]

True tho

[@Divya-pj7ub]

True. When you're doing it for the world to see, you cut out the most simple but personal and intricate parts. Looking back, these little personal things are probably going to make you feel most nostalgic

[@AlaunaRoby]

"If you want to remember your life do things one at a time." its like Nathaniel can see me multitasking while watching this video lol

[@chocolateanddutchy]

Was thinking the same when he said that line 😂

[@seemranhoro1572]

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

[@blank.9301]

I'm traveling atm but I still feel lost. ☹️👎. I'm a patient person who strongly believes "things happen for a reason". However I'm losing patience in everything I do. I feel nothing is working out no matter how much I try. Skiing is my passion, but I feel like I'm losing interest in that too. Idk tbh... I'm a Gemini btw. I'm adventurous and I try to love life the best/most that i can.

[@intentionalliving7326]

Beautiful 😍

[@TylerSinden]

I heard this one quote "You could drive from one side of the country to the other and not even see the country."

[@darius2647]

... That's deep... That's deep...

[@kozkozof]

"You're doing the remembering now, not in the future." This really hits home for me. The most vivid memories of my life are those when, in the moment, I had an acute feeling of living something special and unique and most importantly, ephemeral. The pictures can reinforce that feeling, for sure, but they can never create it. I studied abroad for a year in Barcelona, and one day with my friends we spent the entire night on the hills above the city, just talking about life and enjoying the moment together before we all went our separate ways. I remember very vividly the bus ride home, in the heat of the summer that was just beginning, with the lights and the warmth of my friends' presence by my side. Such a heartwarming memory, and it really echoes what you're saying in the video. Thank you for all the beautiful things you make, Nathaniel.

[@monicalfonzo]

This reminds me of a reflection that i read two days ago "What am I doing today to put me into alignment with who I'm meant to be?" And it has personally helped me control where my intention goes and feel more fulfilled at the end of the day, i tried it out yesterday and am doing it today too.

[@ashleyking751]

This is beautiful ❤. Thank you Nathaniel. My husband has MS (a degenerative brain disorder) and it causes memory impairment. He's a writer, a self described "storyteller", and spends a lot of time trying to remember the past, getting frustrated when he can't, afraid he will not be able to. Since my guy is 45 and we have an awesome 4 year old son, he wants to document his life and his past. Sometimes he gets overwhelmed. I've shared this video with him and he is going to apply it. I just want you to know that if you're ever working on your craft and are frustrated, read this comment (or a zillion others like this), and know that you aren't just creating content that's awesome. In some cases, what you're doing is directly changing lives and future generations. For my son this will be the case. Thank you for your dedication and perseverance to keep doing the things that fill your soul 🙏. So proud of be part of your community. ❤

[@SamFigueroa]

I really felt that comment about when the attention is going to too many things you totally feel lost and unbalanced. You do it to think you are leaving nothing behind, but in the act you never truly experience anything.

[@IshaSharma11]

Well said

[@MattColbo]

for folks wondering the song at the start of Part III is called "Flying" by Cody Fry, gorgeous tune also, another great video Nathaniel

[@kingbrother761]

I watch your vídeos my friend

[@ICEcoldJT]

Judge nothing, you will happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest.

[@nmad9814]

"I have stories about myself, things I can and cannot do. That is called identity" - Nathaniel Drew

[@IshaSharma11]

Beautiful

[@SanjaySkar]

If someone can beautifully summarize their life within 13 minutes, this is it!! I really appreciate that you said 'sometimes, you pay more attention to the world around you when you pick up a camera' . It's so true for most of us who loves to document our life. And, the close up shots resonate well with your way of storytelling, honest and intimate.

[@IshaSharma11]

So true ✔

[@elisesilv1274]

“Where is my attention going?” Brilliant.

[@AndrewKirbys]

Thanks for making this video

[@sidharthk1753]

What's the price of your course again

[@SX25]

@@sidharthk1753 500 usd

[@theturquoisepatch1334]

"reflection is inherent in writing" Well said!

[@benjaminmckinney7246]

"ITS THE ATTENTION THAT YOU BRING TO THE THINGS THAT YOU DO." This hit, thank you sir.

[@FaisalJamshaid]

Loved the point about how photography makes you pay more attention, not less!

[@IshaSharma11]

Exactly. On point

[@RealtalkwithIhuoma]

I'm just in awe of everything, your content, style, sound, b-rolls, video quality, editing, organisation ,vi just want to take in every single detail!

[@selenaramoutar7158]

AHHHH THAT LITTLE HIT OF DOPAMINE WHENEVER I SEE UR NOTIFS😭👑✋🏽

[@thefirstdraft4335]

I was literally just thinking about this ! I feel the process of documenting our thoughts somehow (whether through film, song, photography, writing etc.) then consuming it back & interacting with it is so important for our evolution. It allows us to have an ongoing conversation with ourselves. As you say conversations and stories make up most of our lives and they are ever-changing and developing with each new perspective/experience we gain. Plus creating is such a beautiful way to process our emotions and tap into our subconscious. It brings subconscious thoughts into our waking conscious lives, allowing us to be a lot more intentional ! I recently started my youtube channel and during the process of creating videos I realised how valuable it has been for my personal growth. More determined now to stick with it because of that. ps. thanks for sharing your perspective with us and always giving me new ways to further articulate my thoughts :)

[@samarakaye2573]

"The right balance is somewhere between 'urgency' and 'acceptance'. Urgency, where you make things happen; and, Acceptance, letting life happen and go with the flow."

[@RhysAngulatta]

I need to watch your video twice over every time. The first to appreciate how damn good you edit (synching up the type writer taps alone to your audio and make it sound authentic must have taken ages!) serious respect for that. The second is for the inspiring messages. I took your skillshare course in documenting your life recently and thanks to that I have an audio recording of my son's heartbeat which I subtly recorded during a midwife appointment and it's honestly amazing. Keep up and awesome work man!

[@nathanieldrew]

Woooow that's amazing. I got goosebumps when I read that you captured your son's heartbeat. That kind of thing is priceless. Thank you, Rhys.

[@SteAndRach]

Love these 3 methods 🙏While we are on the topic of remembering, these are 3 things we always try to remind ourselves: 1) Accept your past without regrets 2) handle your present with confidence 3) face your future without fear . Hope it can he a helpful reminder 💛

[@seaenchants]

"you're doing the remembering now, not in the future", wow! such deepness in a simple phrase. I'll keep this in my heart. thank you!

[@cherstithompson3167]

You’re videos always getting me so excited to live life. After having 3 breakdowns in the last 36 hours, I definitely needed something to keep me going. Perfect timing and thank you for dedicating so much time to these videos! They keep getting better and better!!

[@geo.xtr-relax]

Hi, I've been watching your movies for a long time, but now I'm writing your first comment, I really appreciate you, I don't know if you realize it, but you have a very good voice and fluency. You have all the respect for what you do, ...... continue ! Let me tell you, that your movies relax me and sometimes I listen(watch) to them several times .... In case you didn't know, you have people who appreciate you all over the world, once again congratulations.

[@matthiasherzog5201]

Photography is my way of "writing" a journal. To me it captures the moments much better than any word could.

[@ranicierkens666]

I just really love how every video takes me on a mini trip into the mind of Nathanial. The way he looks at life (views, values) but also how he processes the outer world.

[@seanmillions]

This video pulled tears from my eyes near the end. Thank you Nathaniel Drew.

[@madisonarmentrout2910]

Nathaniel, I love your videos so much. You’re on the right path and you should feel proud for inspiring so many people.

[@chairsoutside]

6:27 that photograph is incredible. it would seriously be a great cover for an indie/emo album

[@Anneispunk13]

this somehow made me tear up and think about beautiful stories with people that aren't around anymore. It's so inspiring to see how you view certain things and I thank you a lot for sharing your thoughts and advice 🙏🏼

[@lukegreenthompson]

I love your channel because I resonate with the way you perceive life. It's so intentional and reflective, you really do make life seem like a movie. Not in a cliche way or idealistic way, but in a way that values every experience. Keep doing what you do man, it's truly inspirational.

[@user-nc9ou4lc7t]

This editing is on another level. God bless you man

[@filipemiranda1250]

You're a my favorite creator. I had chills going on all by body in the end of the video. Amazing nathaniel!!!

[@limlimlimjanice]

As I watched the video, I felt like you took the words right out of my mouth, before I could think to say them. I feel the same way about being present in my life, paying attention to the moments that I'm in and being proactive in steering the direction of my life. Thanks for presenting these ideas so neatly in the video. I can't imagine the amount of time it took.

[@mariambarakat6057]

This is my ABSOLUTE favorite video of all times!

[@honeybee806]

Whenever I feel too overwhelmed in life, I come back to these videos, extremely inspiring, calm, intentional and makes me want to create stuff and take action. And the newsletters has great resources too!

[@panoskar8293]

This video gave me chills. Great work, I love it

[@sebastianakasebs]

My favorite thing about your videos is your storytelling skills, they keep me locked onto the screen for the entirety of the video. This includes seeing how you put everything (video, audio, and words) all together. Keep going Nate!

[@Kira-wl3ib]

dude i like your brain man. the way you think always opens my mind to a new perspective in life i never realized i had. and it honestly feels so fulfilling to have my mind expand like that. thanks for the amazing content, you're great!

[@monojoy4270]

thankyou Nathenial! I can feel myself growing when I watch your videos

[@user-3w9jf4r5qz]

i have been following you since 2017 and I love how your editing style has changed. now, it has a unique Nathaniel Drew signature vibe to it.

[@brezzlez8985]

i could listen to you all day. you are such an inspiration to me. keep up the great work and be happy!

[@michelelentini]

Your videos get better and better, as do your insights! You're a source of boundless inspiration! Thank you ❤️💪🏻

[@MelissaDeLaRosaLVDM]

The way you described the energy in a photo being “just enough” & being extra present in that moment...just warmed my heart. Looking forward to take one of your classes ❤️

[@marthentik]

I love witnessing how one idea develops into a script, then footage and finally into a whole video.

[@moonieloom3182]

Recognizing stories was really an advice I needed. This video honestly just reminded me of the experience of loving yourself from within. In the end its about living our lives... i love this sm

[@fabiolagraceffa9261]

Your timing is perfect. I really needed this rn.. thank you

[@foreignhades6788]

I think of your videos as pieces of art. The flow, composition, sound effects, background music, title cards, graphics, b roll..... it all comes together so beautifully.

[@improvewithsoo-selfdevelop1219]

Part 1: Stories. Do self reflection. "How can I be more intentional about what I'm doing?" Part 2: Intentions. Less is more. No multitasking. Do things one at a time. Part 3: Don't be a passenger. Get the most out of life. Play an active role in your life.

[@kujjitafari8509]

Your message is so iconic and very relevant to these times where everything is fighting for our attention and most things aren't worth our time. Most people are drowning in the Mundane. Thank you! So refreshing! 🙏🏽💕

[@isekaistudio1581]

Dude I'm so glad I stumbled on your channel! You've hit so many relatable topics that I'm going through and it has really helped me understand my own role in my own life. Thank you.

[@richardmarvin3580]

Love this. Especially the idea of photography being a sort of meditation that increases awareness.

[@saralyewest5589]

I’d like to say, you’re a genius. I’ve been trying to do all of this subconsciously. Each one of your videos is just so enlightening. I find myself wondering what goes on in everyone’s unique and individual minds other than my own, and your videos do just that. I feel like we’re on the same frequency in life. Don’t stop what you’re doing man

[@selenophile6688]

That clarification of your words.....WOW!

[@JohnyRapidCarrot]

you just made my life more clear. again. thank you, Nathan

[@unmaskingu]

Your personality is soo inspirational for me! Thank you for your videos!

[@AleSalvino]

As always, many lessons left and gold content. Thanks Nathaniel! 🙏🏻

[@alyssakirstine]

I'm always impressed by the high quality of your videos. The ideas you share, the fascinating video clips interspersed throughout, I can just see the thoughtfulness behind every detail of the video.

[@rowlandh25]

All that matters in your life is You. You are that unique being that’s always a constant no matter what or where you are. You and life are the two most precious treasures. Record and relive your life. Is a wonderful thing. Remember I’m not a body I’m Soul. “I’m a Soul snd I have a Body “Good job Drew

[@pedroivom.deoliveira1784]

Nathaniel, your videos are simply amazing. Thank you for your work and for sharing it. It makes me feel really great.

[@adhithyaravindra7580]

This is one of your most beautiful videos yet! Loved it

[@evynnyr2604]

This video is so, so, so good! The quality, the sound, the idea, the message of it - this all is so amazingly put and is so important to refllect upon, and is so meaningful that I've almost cried. Thank you, Nathaniel, for your art and for sharing it here!

[@caylavanberkel_]

I feel like this video is exactly what I needed to hear. Everything you said felt true to my life. Thank you.

[@federicograziani6160]

Wow. Every new video is litteraly the best of your channel. I can't believe i can watch all this stunning videos without having to pay for them

[@danica4077]

Music, dancing, running, writing are the things that make stories in my mind and make me feel alive

[@MD-sb7dv]

Its been my favourite video so far. Thankyou!!!!

[@RoosReckons]

Thanks Nathaniel, this video made me feel hopeful and therefore left me feeling happy.

[@sarahi2657]

You have to be your number one fan when being creative. You have to own it and encourage yourself. Its then when u create something beautiful. Thank you for doing these videos. God bless you for being yourself, ur such a blessing :)

[@disharana2]

I’ve recently started painting ,sketching and drawing. I have never been a drawing person until now and I am really enjoying the process

[@johnclemmy7909]

this guys's wisdom is just amazing. you're so inspiring

[@markomihajlovic4049]

This video came in the best moment ever! Thank you❤️

[@user-vz1iy3xi8d]

I have busy time now - exams, projects, all the obligations so I partly forgot about remembering and enjoying life. So many emotions and thoughts to consider after watching this video!! Thank you, it's really wonderful

[@PracticallyLaraInEveryWay]

"You're doing the remembering now, not in the future." THIS! I love your view on photography. Social media made me get used to trying to document everything. I realized I was too focused on the end product that I wasn't fully present, so I took a step back from social media (after watching that video of yours) and I feel like I'm actually living now. I appreciate all the work you put into your content. I learn something new every time I watch or read it!

[@stephsaidthis]

I love this! Thank you for always sharing the truth that you live!

[@pietrograssani5030]

It’s just the most inspiring thing ever

[@the_allens_]

This is beautiful, I've been watching your videos for awhile now, but dang, this one is special, thanks for working so hard and sharing so much wisdom. It is really changing my life and how I view the world.

[@drawnbydaniel]

Every one of your videos is so on point and beautifully done - thanks for sharing them with us!

[@madeline9116]

Absolutely beautiful, I got tearful toward the end there. Well done, I really loved this one. You’ve grown so much.

[@ashleysouffrant1320]

Sincerely this one speaks to me differently. Forever grateful to be able to watch such content for free, you change or have an impact on the life of way more people than you might think possible.

[@shir35303]

Love your content so much. you just get better and better!

[@PauloAchacoso]

I've been in a personal rut for quite a while, and I've slowly been trying to get my ducks in line, and your videos and newsletter have truly helped me in getting an idea of how I can do that. Thank you Nathaniel, keep up the awesome work.

[@zyad5365]

Your videos are so relaxing Nathaniel

[@Beaut_Beau]

Another brilliant, thought provoking movie, thankyou Nathaniel.

[@ahhwei295]

so much depth and insight. Great editing too.

[@spontan3ously_me]

Listening to you is like listening to me in some way. You do what I do but you do it so publicly and its interesting. My only concern is that there are so many people out there trying to reinvent the wheel. I am 48 and I have always liked stories, always been creative and always capture memories through imagery. I like your direction, I like your tone of voice and how you explain about your adventures. What I do want to see in you and everyone who jumps on the band wagon on media is this .... remember you weren't here first but glad you are here to inspire those to try. Some of us have been doing what you do since they could walk, talk , create way before the computer was even invented. In fact I believe documenting/journaling started way back on the walls of caves. Keep up what you do and so will I and hope you have an amazing time with your own life while inspiring others to enjoy theres.

[@marcello7781]

Thanks for always being so inspiring!