You may not can control the deposits into your memory bank, but you can control the withdrawals! Life is guaranteed to give you some unpleasant experiences. And because your mind is such an awesome and powerful instrument, it will automatically store those experiences in your memory.

For example, if you choose to do so, at this very moment you can conjure up the memory of the ten worst experiences of your life. You have the ability to re-live your painful memories in vivid detail, re-experiencing all the hurt, bitterness, and anxiety. (Ouch!) But why would anybody want to call to mind their most disturbing memories? What purpose does it serve to run sad memories through your head? It only causes needless pain!

Yet millions of people torture themselves with painful memories every day! Silly isn't it! People use their minds to make themselves miserable and then try to feel better by using alcohol, drugs, self-destructive lifestyles, and other diversions! But wouldn't it be better if they didn't depress themselves in the first place?

After all, everybody has pleasant memories as well as painful ones! And it is just as easy to remember something good as it is to remember something bad. It is a matter of free choice.

You (and no one else) pick the memories you bring to your mind. Are you being good to yourself by remembering your joys, your loving relationships, and your triumphs? Or are your tormenting yourself by dredging up your failures, your rejections, and your disappointments?

I like what Buck Rogers, a former vice president of IBM, said: "I have what I consider a selective memory. I pick and choose which memories I'll draw from my memory bank, and I have chosen those that make me feel good".

How about you? Do you make yourself feel good by recalling pleasant memories? Or do you make yourself feel bad by thinking about depressing memories? The choice is yours! Why not think about and visualize a wonderful memory through out the day today and see how it makes you feel? Come on, at least try it for one day. OK?