Thursday, March 12, 2009

Memory Focus


Memory is a funny thing. It seems to work differently in different people. They have done studies showing that people remember shared events differently. Memory plays a huge role in determining who we are and how we respond day-to-day.

Memory is a bit like the tape library in the picture above. We have choices about which reels to load on a continuous basis. Some people are very fond of disaster shows, some reply the tragedies of life over and over. A select few choose to review the reels that are full of joy and happy memories.

The bible (and modern psychiatry) is clear on the effects of memory on our personality. Look at what happens to victims of PTSD and the like. Memory is a VERY powerful force. When we choose to dwell on failure, disappointment and disaster, our outlook on life suffers. We become negative and pessimistic. When we focus on the good things in our lives - the happy times, the successes, the celebrations; we are positive, upbeat and optimistic about life.

We all know people that fall into both categories and we all know who we would rather be around. The question to ask yourself is which one are YOU and do people seek out your company?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I consider myself as a positive/upbeat person; not everyone likes being around me, though :p