Remembering An important ingredient for present happiness.

 

It’s February and its negative 4 degrees outside with snow coming steadily down. So, I decided what better time to stay inside and get a head start on spring cleaning my basement. Downstairs I found myself going through a box of photos. I came across a snapshot from a family trip 19 years ago when fishing in Branson Missouri. I am surprised that I had forgotten about this fishing day. I sat down and just held onto the photo recalling what a great time we all had experienced. Happy memories came racing into my mind, my heart felt warm, and these thoughts put a smile on my face.

There are wonderful things to be said about remembering. Meik Wiking (author of The Art of Making Memories), tells us that “happy memories are essential to our mental health. They strengthen our sense of identity and purpose and bond our relationships. Happy memories are an important ingredient in present happiness.”

As someone who lives with depression and anxiety, when my brain is low in energy, I easily fall prey to ruminating about the past with negative thoughts. These thoughts are usually unrealistic and out of perspective notions. Being pessimistic about memories brings unnecessary shame and gloom. It serves no purpose. It does not promote personal growth and happiness.

During these times of stress and sadness we can spring clean our brain, so to speak, and redirect our thoughts to memories that bring goodness into our lives. We can do this with the help of memory cues, such as: photos, journals, videos, mementos, social media platforms and stories we like to retell. A mentally healthy brain can regularly recall moments of inspiration, happiness, and gratitude. Not only can we reminisce about happy memories, we can also create new memories through planning and having positive experiences.

It is interesting that the word “remember” in various forms is found 250 times in The Bible. God certainly understands the importance of us remembering His goodness to His children. Reading historical accounts in the scriptures helps us to know of His love for us and His desire for us to feel joy. Also, one critical reason we have religious rituals, ceremonies and holiday traditions is to help you and me remember.

In my faith we partake of the Savior’s sacrament each Sunday. The prayers offered over the bread and water use the word “remember” four times each. While the sacrament is being passed we have the opportunity to ponder about the sacrifice and atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. This helps us to feel of the divine love He has for each of us. We are invited to remember the covenants we made at baptism and the covenantal relationship we have with God. By remembering these things, we can always have our Savior’s spirit to be with us each day to strengthen us, guide us and love us. The Sacrament has provided this love and guidance for me.

In addition, to help me remember God’s goodness in my life I keep a running electronic list on my phone of the tender mercies I receive from Him and the miracles I see each day. The more I look for goodness, the more I see it. I enjoy reviewing this growing list, especially when I am feeling low or down.

Remembering happy times and knowing of the goodness of God, gives me perspective, encouragement, and a mindset to strive to be my best self. Most of all it brings me beautiful moments of joy.

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What can you do to remember happy moments?

What can you do to remember God’s love for you?

 

For more information and ideas on how to overcome depression and anxiety I recommend you read my book:

 It’s Time Living a Full and Joyful Life with Depression and Anxiety.

Click here to buy the book

If you would like more information about my faith,  go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: ComeuntoChrist.org