Remember or Dwell

It is an amazing thing our mind.  It records everything.. but we only recall with regularlity that which has some kind of an emotional attachment. Unfortunately, that does not have to be a positive thing.  We can attach negative emotions.

Remembering where we have been is an important aspect. It is how we learn.  It is how we avoid repeating past mistakes.  Unfortunately, for many of us, rather then using this tool our mind gives us, we begin to dwell.

What is the difference?
Dwelling is allowing a negative memory to take root and take over.  Rather then moving forward with the lesson learned, we are suddenly angered in the past.  We rehash it over and over and over. We relive that pain and hurt again and again. To what end?? The truth is kind of scary. Because at some level we have become to believe we deserve it.  Only when we realize that we should only have to pay for errors one time, do we stop this hurtful pattern of self abuse.

Dwelling can become so powerful that it can create stress caused illnesses and depression.  Ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure and many other ailments have been tied to staying in an increased stress state.  And the worst part is, most of us do this to ourselves.

How do I stop this?
 There are two major tools one can use.  First, the old cliche .. Let go and Let God.  The second thing is refuse to allow negativity to control your thinking.  The one thing that is almost possible to take away from man is his thoughts. You may lock away his body and still his mind is his own.  Even under the influence of the disease of addiction, there is still influence on thought.  When you catch yourself thinking in a negative manner; tell yourself .. STOP!  We are trained this word from a very  young age.   It will startle the mind for a brief moment. Then pick up something postive; a story, affirmations or a thank you letter.  Anything that has hope, peace or love within it.  This change in thinking will force the mind slowly to let go of the negative things in our past and move towards acceptance.


Remember.. do not dwell.  There is freedom to move forward with the assurance of not repeating a past mistake.

Make Today. .. just a little better then yesterday and your future will always be moving forward.

God Bless

Thought of the Day - December 17th

Knowledge is the treasure of a wise man.

- William Penn


Education is the most important thing we have has humans. We pass down our growth and discoveries in every category of life. No one can speak higher of the need to get an education then I. However, here is a shock. I do not believe that it necessarily need to be within a four year institution.

Depending on your career choices, an internship or apprenticeship may be far more valuable in your time spent. In this case, education needs to be gained to fill in the gaps that such types of informal education bring. Our libraries are full of human treasure of thought, insight and wisdom. Colleges offer day type seminar courses. Then of course, there is here on the internet. Be careful here, anyone can put up a website. Make sure your source of information is legetimate. For example, when I wrote my blog on 2012, I made sure to research on sites like NASA and not fan mail from the film.

Two small points I wish to make on this topic today. The first it that there is one area where man refuses to learn from past great minds. When it comes to happiness and personal success, it seems like we are forever reinventing the wheel. Yet centuries of great minds have told us many such things. Early to bed.... or Neither a lender or borrow be.... We know the sayings, yet we do not follow them. We think somehow the formula for us is different. Even I fell prayer to this view of terminal uniquiness. How could someone know from 200 years ago what would possibly help me find happiness today? But the truth is, they did and do. Things such as not taking others BS personally or to understand that each individual has value and has nothing to prove to anyone but themselves. People go to seminars to learn more about success and happiness and learn the concept of self-affirmation. A free topic taught everywhere yet somehow not believed.

The other point I would like to make is that many individuals do not keep learning past retirement. Without continue stimulation, the mind whithers far more easily. This lack of mental challenge and/or goals for after retirement has led to a quick end for many of our older citizens. If you are approaching retirement, NEVER stop learning. Find a topic that interests you and get involved. Do not stop working and then wither away in front of a television set. Your generation has too much to offer to us younger individuals who still are living with the misconception that time old wisdom couldn't possibly apply to us!