Excellent piece, Don. I can relate to the connection between poor memory and depression. Here’s another angle. When negative memories shout over good ones, we can tend to write a misleading narrative of our own lives. Later in life, I found the time and stability to re-evaluate the connections among the islands of events in my life’s stream and write a new, truer (I believe) narrative of my journey. Coincidentally or not, I now find in my fiction that I can write more cohesive narratives than I was able to create in my younger years. Keep up the good work, Don. Write on.
I loved this commentary on remembering the positive and not dwelling on the negative. And the scientific explanation why this might be the case. As one ages, leaves the job market and his/her particular professional life, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify with that person and his/her accomplishments.Self-confidence does wane as a result. Thanks for suggesting a way to reconnect with that former version of self.
OK, let's check your theory and practice, Donaldo! I have really enjoyed your articles. I have read all of them. I liked them so much I print them. I look forward to receiving the next week's article. I like your sense of humor, and I totally get it. It reminds me of a friend I had growing up (he once was lost but now he's found). The founder of CBT is Aaron T. Beck not Adam (he was the first so he could have been an Adam!). So which comment do you concentrate on? The spellcheck at the end or the six positives before it? Hmmmmm....
This is so true. As a lifelong sufferer of depression, my narrative of my childhood has always been filled with the negatives. I'd describe myself as insecure, needy, and overly sensitive. However, recently, while working on a memoir, I looked at my childhood photos--there I was, smiling, laughing, playful! Only an occasional frown or shy expression appeared.
I am now seeing my past in a different light, one that's more forgiving and empathetic. I'm also less critical of my current self. Perception is reality, after all!
Excellent piece, Don. I can relate to the connection between poor memory and depression. Here’s another angle. When negative memories shout over good ones, we can tend to write a misleading narrative of our own lives. Later in life, I found the time and stability to re-evaluate the connections among the islands of events in my life’s stream and write a new, truer (I believe) narrative of my journey. Coincidentally or not, I now find in my fiction that I can write more cohesive narratives than I was able to create in my younger years. Keep up the good work, Don. Write on.
I loved this commentary on remembering the positive and not dwelling on the negative. And the scientific explanation why this might be the case. As one ages, leaves the job market and his/her particular professional life, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify with that person and his/her accomplishments.Self-confidence does wane as a result. Thanks for suggesting a way to reconnect with that former version of self.
OK, let's check your theory and practice, Donaldo! I have really enjoyed your articles. I have read all of them. I liked them so much I print them. I look forward to receiving the next week's article. I like your sense of humor, and I totally get it. It reminds me of a friend I had growing up (he once was lost but now he's found). The founder of CBT is Aaron T. Beck not Adam (he was the first so he could have been an Adam!). So which comment do you concentrate on? The spellcheck at the end or the six positives before it? Hmmmmm....
This is so true. As a lifelong sufferer of depression, my narrative of my childhood has always been filled with the negatives. I'd describe myself as insecure, needy, and overly sensitive. However, recently, while working on a memoir, I looked at my childhood photos--there I was, smiling, laughing, playful! Only an occasional frown or shy expression appeared.
I am now seeing my past in a different light, one that's more forgiving and empathetic. I'm also less critical of my current self. Perception is reality, after all!