[SeptemberMorn]

What's a great way to get beyond a bad experience? Create a good experience of equal or greater significance. When something bad happens to you, it can continue to take its toll even long after the original damage is done. In the absence of anything else to focus on, you're likely to continue to dwell on it and allow it to put a negative spin on everything in your life.

And what happens when you try not to think about it? The very effort involved in trying not to think about the bad experience will probably make you think about it even more.

There is, however, a very effective way out. And that is to create a new experience so overwhelmingly positive and memorable that it takes over the primary focus of your thoughts.

Put your imagination and creativity to work. Think of how you can be especially good to yourself, to those around you, and to the world in which you live.

Respond quickly to the negative experiences by creating even greater positive experiences. It's a habit that will add extraordinary richness and serenity to life.

-- Ralph Marston

[Fuzzybear]

Good post!!!! ((((((((((((((((((Tomi))))))))))))))))))

wellllllllllllllllllllllllllll.. that was written for me! think i'll make a short list of what i can achieve today.......i'll start by loading the dishwasher and then proceed to the den.......i'll feed the birds and put water out for the neighborhood guineas..with a little corn.

Gee, at first it sounded like you were cheering for me!! Then I realized that no one really knows me here and I jumped back out of one of my mind sets- " if it 'sounds' like me then it must be about me"!

This post does have a good message- Thanks for sharing it.

Mandy ( 2b---" 1better" )

Mandy, I think this post is a little about all of us. Sometimes I find it hard to creat a positive situation that holds the same magnitude as all the bad that's happened in my life, but then I take a look at what I've done for myself as a whole. It's not one single thing I've done, but a collective of events ofer the last 8 years. I graduated from high school with honors. I joined the military and excelled in my 2 year school there. I performed well for 3 years on my ship. Setback... discharge due to mental illness. Back on track... I struggled after the military for several months, but then moved to Michigan to start a new life. Found a great job and I no longer struggle with anything but myself. Setback... mental illness began to rage out of control and I lost my long time love and almost lost my job. Back on track... I'm in therapy and on meds after finally admitting that I have a problem and I'm working towards moving back home where I have family and friends.

Tomi, I very much appreciate this one. It makes me look back at all the good in my life... and there is quite a lot. Thank you dear friend.

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot one very big positive... all of you guys that have shown me so much support.

Ry

Ryan,
Sounds like you are heading in the right direction- I'm happy for you that things are turning around, to take the falls and get back up and forge ahead- I admire that. I wish you all the best!!

Tomi's post is good advice- it's just very hard for someone in my place to see a positive action. But yeah, I realize it speaks to us all. I've read a number of her posts and they are all so informative and inspiring. Seems like I have an obstacle though that keeps me from forging ahead- maybe if I keep reading these positive posts over and over they will evenutally sink in.


Wishing everyone well,

Mandy

[January]

September, Ralph Marston keeps getting smarter and smarter. When you are so hurt or in deep trouble, it's hard to see the light, much less create some more. But it is possibe. My psychiatrist told me that it was a mark of my intelligence and success that I managed to get through college and work for so long. I looked straight at her and told her I didn't feel like a success.

Well, I've had time to think about that... Yes, I am! I am not only better, (not healed), but better but sometimes I can offer a bit of advice or support to someone because of my experiences with juggling these dxs and my life.

For me at least, that's a very good situation after dealing with the darkness in the hole for so long. (Hope this makes sense.)

Jan

[jmo531]

[SeptemberMorn]

I'm glad that others besides me are getting something good out of Mr. Marston's motivators.

I truly appreciate that you appreciate the postings.

Is there a particular book you're getting these out of Tomi? In my crazy head, I see one of those Ziggy type comic calanders that you're posting off of... or better yet, like that word of the day toilet paper.

Ry