Brain studies reveal that negative thoughts and experiences make a bigger splash in our brains than positive ones. Negative memories stick to our brain like Velcro while positive ones tend to slide off our brains as if on Teflon. This means that in order to retain more positive and happy memories, we have to be intentional about it. Make a purposeful decision to choose to file them in our brains and recall them with intent.
As we bid farewell to 2022, I am certain that most of us have had our share of painful occurrences—the loss of a loved one, fractured relationships, financial struggles, problems at work, and so forth. Sometimes, these memories overshadow the beautiful moments.
In “Secrets in the Dark”, Frederick Buechner suggests that we write a letter to ourselves, perhaps several, to be intentional about both where we’ve been and where we want to be in 15 years.
For example, you could write a letter describing the kindest thing someone did for you in 2022. Also, write the kindest thing you did for someone else. Write down in great detail the most joyful moment of your 2022, and, if someone else was a part of that moment, write down any conversation you had about that moment.
Whatever you write, put it all down in great detail with passionate gratitude and hope. Allow yourself to dream from your heart, not just your rational head. Then seal these letters and give them to a trusted friend to mail to you in 15 years. You just might be amazed at the joy swelling up as the letters help you to recall the beautiful memories of 2022.
Lastly, don’t forget our free Thrive zoom every Thursday at 11 am Central. We will be discussing this topic in greater detail this week. Here is our login information for the Thrive Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84928702034
Meeting ID: 849 2870 2034
Passcode: 299732
With love and prayers for you and yours in 2023,
Love, your sister along the journey,
k
Go to: kimberlyhighland.com for more information or to book a private session
