On most days, the Ohio River does not flow through the streets of downtown Marietta, Ohio. However, this city does have a history of flooding in extreme weather situations. The last major flood was in 2004 when the Ohio Valley was hit by the heavy rains of Hurricane Ivan.
There are several markers on downtown buildings that indicate the water level of several severe floods.
While the Ivan flood waters were devastating, earlier floods were even worse. Check out the 1913 and 1937 levels. They are very hard to imagine. These are important times to record and to remember. As a result, safety measures such as flood walls were erected. Pumping stations were built. Lives and property are now better protected.
Are you more likely to remember bad or good experiences?
Marketing gurus tell us that if a customer has a good retail experience, she will tell 5 people. If she has a bad experience, she will tell 25 people.
I suspect that few of us have problems remembering the bad experiences. These memories can help improve practices and prevent repeated mistakes. However, not all see negative experiences as learning opportunities. Sadly, too many folks will choose to wallow in the memories of past negative situations for years and years, holding on very tightly to their painful thoughts. Does it need to be stated that this is just not helpful?
What I do find helpful is taking intentional action to remember the good times – those experiences that elevated our sense of well-being and joy.
I would encourage you to take a few quiet moments to review the past couple of years. Look back through your electronic calendar or paper Day timer.
Draw a timeline and notate your memorable positive times. These can be big deals or they can be little deals. Some examples might include:
- Achieving a goal
- A special visit
- A reunion
- Cleaning out your garage
- Unplugging and doing nothing
- Volunteering
- Harvesting your garden
- Adopting a pet
- Making contact with a long lost friend
- Recognition in your job or other activity
When you have finished your timeline, set it aside. Wait a day or so and look at the timeline again. At this point you might remember a few more positive events that you can add to your timeline.
Ask yourself what made these times special. In what way did these life events bring joy?
Finally, focus on enriching your life with more of these positive times.
Consider living a life where you dwell on good memories rather than negative ones. Does that appeal to you? If yes, what’s keeping you from starting today?
