Hi ((((((sunsetsunrise)))))) Thanks so much for posting this! I love the computer analogy! Right on! That is so true. Please let me know if you find that particular program!!!!!!

I've been reading an interesting book which talks about how our brains are hardwired to register negative experiences over positive experiences. The reason for this is evolutionary. Our ancestors needed to be far more aware of threats and dangers than of pleasurable feelings. Because threats and dangers could kill them. So the brain is pre-programmed to notice negative things first in order to help us survive. Only, in some people, this goes awry!!! And that's ALL we notice. I can definitely relate to this. I am soooooo focused on the things I'm worried about and on possible negative things that could happen (or real negative things that have happened). I have to make a really big effort to "take in the good". The book talks a lot about ways to "take in the good" and it involves developing and strengthening NEW pathways in our brain that focus on good things (or, as you say, creating new folders to store the positive information).

The brilliant thing about the brain is that it is "plastic" (capable of changing) and so it really is possible to create new pathways if we work at it.

Sorry to ramble on!! This is a very interesting topic for me! I really can relate a lot to your post. I have a lot of self-loathing and I'm always second-guessing myself and thinking I have "failed" (or expecting to fail). I have very little faith in myself and this definitely increases my anxiety because it makes me doubt my ability to handle things.

I'm really trying to work on this but it's hard! One thing that seems to help is making a conscious effort to focus on good things and writing them down. For example, making a list of things I have achieved each day (however small), making a list of what I'm grateful for, and even a list of things I like about myself (that one is HARD!!) And then looking at those lists regularly and trying to add to them.

I think CBT is also helpful for changing our distorted negative thoughts about ourselves and I'm looking into some more CBT-based therapy......

Perhaps the hardest thing of all - but the most effective - is pushing myself to do some of the things I'm afraid of. Because if I'm able to do that, it definitely increases my confidence. I'm not making much headway with this though and I'm still giving in to my fears and avoiding things.......

Thanks again for posting such an interesting topic!! Wishing you all the very best ((((((((sunsetsunrise))))))))