You're right Jon, we often spend way too much dwelling on the negative. I feel trapped in that mind set, like it's the only state of mind I know how to be in.
I have far too many cherished memories prior to becoming what I am today to name, but my favorite is probably the time I went canoing with a friend who no longer wishes to speak to me. It was nine years ago, and we were at her father's house. We got in the canoe and rode downstream for nearly three hours on the river behind his condo. It was a beautiful day, sunny, warm, birds were singing and the whole day was just perfect. Most of all, I remember feeling happy, laughing the whole time over a picnic lunch we'd brought with us. I was at peace with myself and my life, and at that very moment, I felt blessed to be alive.
Remembering those times are partially what keeps me going through the blackness I'm living in today.