Our memories are incorrect, would be a good way to describe. Because when any incident happens we witness it and process it and then it gets stored in memory. Sometimes it is short term memory and sometimes it is a long term memory. Based on its impact we have our long term memories. Interesting enough that our long term memory can manipulate us to process any new incidents specifically the ones which are negative. At least I have experienced it plenty of time. Our brain works in certain ways where we can’t even differentiate between reality and imagination. The memories we have stored can also be processed through any type of events which could be reality, imagination, story reading, watching movies.

A person who has experienced many negative instances in life might see the world as a threat. His or her brain could feel threatened by facing any object/ instances which the brain can’t explain (or until it explains). It would take a real deal to deal with the brain consciously. Most often the person will fail to do so. In reality the scenarios might not be threatening. Then how can we help ourselves to get the right or more positive thoughts when our brain is about to detect an unexplainable instance. We need to be conscious and I believe it has more to do with our old memories. If we could just manipulate our memories to give a positive or funny reason, it might help.

There are studies about manipulating memories to help someone positively or implanting positive memories to treat PTSD, then why not we give a try to treat ourselves? 😉 I thought for a moment which all memories of mine I want to manipulate! I got few instantly-

a. about the memory of sexually abused by a cousin. I found a funny one to replace with by saying: he might have been really curious and horny at the same time and he objectified me while I was sleeping, he imagined I am a doll and cannot wake up when he would touch me. The same applies to the uncle as well btw.

b. the boyfriend who cheated on me. I thought of making this memory as: maybe he was feeling lonely and was very shy to share it with me so he started cheating while I was preparing hard to get a job. or may be he thought I am a stupid and I would never find out that he is checking on other options. or may be he was just making friends. 😉

Anyways, I enjoyed those replaced thoughts. It gave me a refreshing idea of perceiving things positively. Not sure if I could actually replace some horrible memories but, I am sure we could learn to experience life in a positive way. There will be triggers always but, it is important what meaning we are giving to the triggers. It is also important to understand how quickly we find the similarities between an old trigger and a new event.

Life is short, we are told not to take it too seriously. But at the end of the day our human brain is constantly trying to detect threats and trying to protect us. At least we have ourselves always but, we need to understand one thing, our brain cannot differentiate between reality and imagination. 🙂

Stay positive and enjoy the life!