Author, speaker to offer memory tips to help organize your life
Judy Marcus promises to deliver a memory sharpening technique that patrons will love, literally.
The author and speaker will describe how to better remember names, where you parked your car or left your keys and generally lead a brain-friendly lifestyle, as she calls it.
It all takes place during a free presentation at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 22, at the Indian Trails Public Library, 355 Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling.
"We think these memory techniques will benefit people of all ages," says Jennifer Koch, library public relations manager.
During her appearances, Marcus draws on the acronym LOVE in sharing her memory methods. The four letters stand for her basic steps in choosing to remember something.
They include: Looking at something; Overstating or exaggerating it in your mind; Visualizing the exaggerated image; Engraving or repeating it aloud.
Marcus built a successful career in public relations before earning a master's degree in education. While teaching adults and leading a weekly discussion group, she prepared a topic on memory techniques.
"They loved it and I loved it," says Marcus, a Highland Park resident.
From there she began researching techniques, ranging from ancient legends to more contemporary theories, before patenting her own LOVE Memory Method.
She thought of the topic, she concedes, after admitting her own fear of facing people whose names she could not remember, and of often finding words glued to the tip of her tongue.
Learning ways to keep her memory young, vibrant and vital, she says, was empowering.
"We are a nation of high-functioning multi-taskers," Marcus says. "Our minds are overburdened by data overload, information bombardment, and the chaos of world events - in addition to the challenges of everyday living."
Life is just better, she adds, when you can remember.
To enhance the memory technique, Marcus promotes a so-called friendly diet, regular exercise to keep the brain active and organizing techniques that help trigger memory of where things were left.
Marcus wrote a book on the subject called "Where Are My Keys" in 2003. A second, revised edition came out in 2006.
Since publishing the book, Marcus has been in demand as a member of the National Speakers Association and as a speaker at workshops, presentations and seminars.
Her one-hour presentation Thursday will include interactive exercises for audience members. This much Marcus knows: they will not leave until they can prove to themselves that they can use the system and remember names.
For details, call (847) 537-4100.
If you goWhat: Memory techniques by the Memory Lady, Judy Marcus When: 2 p.m. Thursday, April 22 Where: Indian Trails Public Library, 355 Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling Cost: Free Details: (847) 537-4100 or memorylady.comWhere did I put that?Here are some tips from Judy Marcus to help organize your life:bull; Keep track of your medicines. A simple pill sorter will eliminate the guesswork of "Did I or didn't I take my pills?"bull; Find a place for everything: checkbook, glasses, cell phone, etc.bull; Put everything back in its memory place: Take the few necessary seconds to walk your checkbook back into the den and place it in the checkbook drawer. In the long run, you'll eliminate an hour of frantic searching the next time you need to write a check.bull; Keep a trustworthy calendar. Write down every appointment - make your entry readable. Be sure to check your calendar each night before you go to sleep and again when you awake.bull; Get ready the night before. Plan ahead. Have each item you need for the next day, including clothing, ready before you go to bed. You'll save time and eliminate morning frazzle.False247300Judy Marcus suggests her LOVE Memory Method to help you organize your life.Courtesy of Judy MarcusFalse