In Love There is No Eternal Sunshine

If you could erase the memory of an entire relationship just because it ended painfully would you? The movie The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is based on the premise that you can alleviate pain by erasing the memory of the person, and the relationship you had. But if you really think about it, would this be truly desirable? In some cases I would have to say "yes, my life would be perfectly fine if I could just erase the memory of the short lived relationship I had with so and so."

Other relationships that last longer define an era of growth in your life. Many times the ending is painful because though you could not sustain it "forever" you still shared many positive things, you established routines, and rituals, and maybe even traditions, and you came to define your identity even as being part of a couple in your social circle. You might have taken on new challenges together you never would have attempted alone. You learned to assert your boundaries, and what was most important to you. You shared your hopes, fears, and dreams with this person. You had the chance to see yourself through another's eyes. You learned what you were capable of giving, how loyal and loving you could be, and no matter how that was reciprocated, you learned what you had to offer another person. Even if you can see nothing positive in the relationship you shared, you learned what mistakes not to repeat, and how strong you really are.

For everything there is a beginning and an end, and in the middle there is a transformation. The seasons change, and day becomes night. There is no eternal sunshine, but there is always the promise of a new day.