Things We Forget: Little Reminders of What Matters Most

by J.J. Penn

Sometimes the most important things in life are the ones we forget.

This inspiring collection of hand-drawn notes began with a simple It’s worth remembering what’s most important in life, even when you can’t see the bigger picture. From his very first note, written hastily in the backseat of a taxi for the benefit of the next passenger (it said “Never give up”), J. J. Penn has inspired both passersby and devoted online fans with his uplifting and quirky reminders. Every day since then, Penn’s simple notes, created with nothing more than a pen and a sticky pad, have been photographed and then left in public—on a park bench, at a bus stop—anonymously and hopefully, to spread a little goodwill and brighten someone’s day.

Collected in book form, they serve as a heartfelt reminder about what matters most.

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

Reviews

[Megan Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hopeful, sure. Funny at times - okay. But in the wake of this "do what you love" privileged/elitist/western/capitalist dialogue - I couldn't help but feel cynical and annoyed by the end. Are you implying that those so deeply engrossed in the struggle for every day life have forgotten what it means to love and not hate; to forgive and to forget; to take the high road? What the author miscalculates is that sometimes you have to be ruthless and impolite in your search for justice in this world (and that many are still fighting for justice in this world) and that you can't just 'let things go' or put a saying on a sticky note to make it okay. It's easy for those who might not have to muscle too much for anything (probably any privileged folk incognizant of their privilege) to make projects imploring us to lighten up a little, toughen up a little, and spend more time loving each other a little. Simply: it's a brazen commentary from those who lead a life of privilege. For those without such privilege - who have to meet the challenge every day to survive - sometimes there is just not enough time by the end of that day to indulge in self-centric reflection and whimsy. A lot of these are based off the ideation that there is a choice between ways you can greet the day, and I guess if you actually have the space or time or freedom or safety to be able to do that, you might be inspired by this work.

[Slow Man · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sticky notes are too easy to make and I do appreciate the good intentions. Many quotations are pretty well known and I can't help to think it has become a little trite. But any piece of advice can be helpful to that one person at that one point in time. The truth is we will keep forgetting them.

[Jacq Jardin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and fun read. Some favorite lines:
- "Travel light through life."
- "Be slow to take offense."
- "Give it all you've got."
- "Let go."
- "Discuss ideas, not people."
- "Either you run the day, or the day runs you."
- "Say it to their face or not at all."
- "Love with abandon."

[Intan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so fun & very creative! I love it.

[Mapet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the way JJ illustrates and makes use of the post-it to convey the message. If you enjoy art or looking for a little pick-me-up, I recommend that you get this book.

[Talene Kachadourian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each page filled with a simple yet powerful reminder. Amazing how the author managed to make a simple line, a tiny drawing so meaningful. Definitely worth keeping, and worth reminding myself that there are little joys in life, everyday. A+!

[Soos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never expected this book to be written in the style of sticky pads. The cover page is really the giveaway here. There are 2 things that happened when reading this book, first is I get reminded of the things I was being taught before as a kid & second is learning something new.

[Chester Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

thanks for the little reminders :)

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

simple ideas but very inspiring!

[Jobert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan/follower. So yeah, for me it was worth it. Kahit na ang laman eh yung mga andun lang din naman sa page nya. Kahit na sobrang mahal nya. Okay lang, gusto ko to eh.

[Amber Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWWWWSOME BOOK!!!! I love the mini inspiration post-its!

[Alexis Cheong · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book of reminders.

[Myra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing.