My earliest memory was of when I was in nursery school/whatever comes before preschool. I lived in China for about two years when I was very young, and I attended a nursery school there. I was around 4 years old, and I remember playing tag with a bunch of other kids. I don't know why I still remember that memory, because as far as I can remember it wasn't a life-changing or impacting experience.
I don't remember my thoughts at the time, but I think it is still "me." I am a pretty active person, and I love playing sports and moving around, which I guess was why I was playing tag in my memory. Obviously I was a lot more naive and clueless about the world, but I don't think personality-wise I was much different than I am now.
My earliest memory around the same time. I was four and in preschool. I think just because you were playing tag doesn't make it any less significant than someone who had a traumatic experience. It's still a fun memory, and maybe you just remember it because it was one in which you were having a good time. That's why I think I remember my memory - mine wasn't that impacting either, but I just remember that I was having a blast in it.
I agree that you probably remember it because you were having fun. However I dont think you can actually say personality wise you are the same just because you are still active. I actaully think just remembering the earliest memory is not enough of information to refer to whether your personality was the same then or not.
It seems like you remember this memory because you were having a good time and enjoying yourself. This is similar to my first memory because I also was enjoying myself in mine because I wanted the cake.
It is possible that even though the experience was not particularly life-changing, it made enough of an impression so that you had recalled it a few times in the past, and that reinforced it as a memory in your long term memory.
I can't actually recall anything from before I was 4 years old. I only know the events that had transpired then from what other people, like my parents, tell me.
