With social media now documenting our every move, one could argue that Instagram itself is like a living and ever-changing time capsule. And sure, in a way it is. However, a real time capsule has more severity and is way more meaningful.
When I was in 7th grade, my best friends and I had a sleepover. That night we made a time capsule, which was to be opened the night before high school graduation. We found a box in the basement and decorated it. We each wrote our older self a letter. We made mix tapes of our favorite songs. We added our favorite t-shirts, pictures and memorabilia; whatever felt important to us at that time. We sealed it shut and stashed it under my friend Vanessa’s bed (she must have been the most reliable) and then we proceeded to forget about it.
Six years later, the night before graduation, the six of us weren’t all that close anymore (high school is weird like that and everyone grows at different paces). But just like we swore those many moons ago, we all got together and had a sleepover in order to open that old box.
All the years melted away and we were instantly those kids again; time had no bearing on the items in that box. While a little dusty, everything was still intact. We spent the entire night laughing, crying and reading our letters; wearing the shirt;, listening to mixtapes. The experience brought us all back together, and more than anything else, it was an absolute blast. It was fascinating to see the things that were once so vital and important to us.
So I call upon you and your vinas; make a time capsule together. We are never too old for something like this (seriously, even if you’re sixty). Invite them over, with the intention of the night stated clearly beforehand; they can come prepared with mementos that remind them of their current lives and the friendship you all share.
IDEAS FOR WHAT TO INCLUDE:
-concert ticket
-take-out menus
-printed photographs
-bar napkins
-receipts
-sunglasses
-favorite books
-favorite movie
-postcards from a trip you shared
And only you know what else has sentimental value. Be creative and be prepared to part with whatever you bring, at least for now.
As the host, you have the box, paper and pens; you and your vinas can write letters to yourselves in ten years (or fewer if you’re too eager). Have an old school sleepover and let this be the focused activity. Share with each other everything that goes in, write your letter in private if you desire and when it’s all sealed in the box, stow it away (or go super old-school and burry it somewhere safe). In a handful of years, who knows where or who you will be, but make an oath to come together and reopen the box.
The whole creation of the time capsule is just as memorable and important as the reopening will be. It’s a bonding ritual in which you can rediscover what is important to each other right now and where your best memories are held. Even if the whole thing goes up in flames or gets forgotten along the way, making it is more than half the fun.
Don’t feel limited to one box with one set of friends. If you cultivate more amazing friendships throughout the years, make more boxes! Download the Hey! VINA app to make new connections.
(Feature image via Rodrigo)
VINAZINE 