Memories! They can be good or bad, happy or sad, inspiring or just plain depressing. Some memories are worth keeping, while others need to be deleted from one’s “memory-bank” forever. The removal of unwanted recollections, however, is often easier said than done. Yet there is a way to conquer bad memories, and it’s good for your health.
MEMORIES OF THE VIETNAM WAR
There was a time when each ANZAC Day reminded me of being shot at, bombed, flown over enemy territory in a helicopter gunship, and performing on a stage where Australian singer Cathy Wayne had been shot dead just days earlier. Remembrance ceremonies also prompted memories of highly dangerous travel to American military and fire bases all over South Vietnam, singing on the back of trucks in cleared patches of jungle, and on crude open air stages such as Freedom Hill in the northern city of Da Nang. See my photo.
Although my dark memories of singing for troops in the Vietnam War may have dimmed over time, I can still recall the gruelling schedule of performing with my brother in 133 shows in 120 days, and having to live in a simple Vietnamese village. As a young woman it was my first time away from the shelter of my family, and the peaceful suburbs of Melbourne.
While my memories aren’t as profound as the soldiers who later suffered psychological trauma, depression and even suicidal thoughts, nonetheless they had an impact on me. For the first two weeks after returning home, I simply lay on my mother’s couch unable to get up or speak about Vietnam. I was very underweight, physically exhausted and mentally traumatized by the awful memories of war, death, racial tension, and ‘culture shock’.
CONQUERING BAD MEMORIES
I was helped back to mental and physical health through the loving support of my family. Their tender care, which included my mother’s sincere prayer for my mental wellbeing, really had a restorative effect on me. I was gradually able to conquer the bad memories, regain my confidence and calmness, and cope with life again.
Tips:
– Stop trying to control things all by yourself. Realize that you aren’t responsible for everything that happens in life.
– Let others comfort you. Draw on their courage and strength of spirit.
– Allow spiritual thinking to reconnect you to the world and help you feel part of a greater whole.
– Refuse to replay bad memories over in your mind. If they try to return, (1) shut them out, and (2) immediately replace them with constructive, happy, healthy, good memories. (Science and Health p. 392, Mary Baker Eddy.)
– Have faith that dark thoughts can be conquered.
– Kindle the flame of hopefulness that exists within your thinking.
– Believe that it’s possible for everyone to live a normal and fulfilling life, free from bad memories.
I’m a professional Christian Science Practitioner and Teacher. Through my prayer-based practice, I help people find happiness, health and healing.
That is a very thought-provoking and helpful post, Beverly – thank you so much for sharing it. And a GREAT photo! Love from Carol
Thank you Carol for your comment. I am glad that you found the ideas helpful. Glad you like the photo too. It was given to me by an American soldier who took it on his Polaroid camera. It’s the only one I have of my brother and me singing on stage during the Vietnam War.
Thank you Beverly for such a comforting article, much appreciated.
Thank you Joan for your comment. It’s reassuring to know that bad memories can be deleted from one’s memory-bank and replaced with happy, good, positive ones.
Thank you for the timely blog Beverly, just what I needed to hear. Very helpful tips.
Love Yvonne
Thank you Yvonne for your comment. Glad you found the tips helpful. No one has to hang on to unhappy memories.It’s possible for everyone to live a normal and fulfilling life, free from bad memories.
What a devastating experience to be “physically exhausted and mentally traumatized by the awful memories of war, death, racial tension, and culture shock”.
This is an inspiring example of buoyant determination when faced with the trauma of bad memories.
It’s an example worth noting by anyone seeking a positive outlook on life.
Your tips on how to overcome bad memories of daunting experiences are top-rate!
Thank you.
Thank you Henry for you comments. Glad to know that you have been inspired by my story and that you have found my tips positive and helpful to you, Everyone can conquer bad memories. They can live a happy, trauma-free life.
thanks for sharing and for your valuable tips. How fortunate u were to have a loving and supportive family.
Thank you Babs for your comment. Yes the love and prayers of my family – especially those of my mother and grandmother made such a difference to restoring my peace of mind and health. This showed me the power of spirituality to bring healing and freedom from bad memories.