“Sometimes my mind is like a sponge.  Sometimes my mind is like a sieve.  It doesn’t matter, either way I live.”  - Frieda Feldman

Life doesn’t always go in the direction we hope for or want.  Circumstances vary.  Sometimes situations are perfect.  At other times they are less than ideal.  Although we go through cycles, life always goes on.

It’s easy to get caught up with what is happening to you at the moment while losing track of the bigger picture.  People get hung up on both large and small issues.  The above quote touches on a perfect example.

It’s normal to have good and bad days when it comes to memory.  Some things are easy to remember, while others are elusive.  There is no point to worrying about it.  If you are more forgetful than you would like, write those things down you need to remember.

Do you get stressed when you forget something?  Although just about everyone does at some point, it accomplishes nothing.  If anything, stress impedes your memory because it preoccupies your brain.  Whether you have a good memory or not, life goes on.  You’ve got to work with what you have and adjust as necessary.

As the memory example illustrates, regardless of any frustrations you are struggling with, life does indeed move forward.  It doesn’t matter how you feel, what your attitude is, or how tired you may be.  The earth keeps turning and tomorrow will always arrive.

At times, your circumstances may not be ideal.  This may even be the case more often than you prefer.  Lamenting any undesirable situations or “bad luck” is a complete waste of time and energy.

You must move forward even if the solution isn’t ideal.  No one is thrilled when their memory isn’t as good as they would like.  What’s the big deal if you have to write more things down than you used to?

John returned to college after 20 years.  He quickly discovered he didn’t absorb new material as quickly or easily as he used to.  John had to spend more time studying than most of the other students.  Initially John was upset.  Fortunately, he realized it didn’t matter.  If he wanted to pass, John needed to adapt by putting in the additional effort required.

The incomes of Mary and her husband Fred were lower than they had hoped for.  Although they were comfortable, Mary and Fred couldn’t afford the bigger apartment and newer car they wanted.  Both of them worked hard and were frustrated they couldn’t get ahead.  To make matters worse, they were also in the midst of an economic downturn.

Mary and Fred realized getting stressed out accomplished nothing.  They cultivated an attitude of gratitude for what they had while exploring various options to earn more money.  They did what they could with what they had.

Dave was always athletic and loved participating in sports.  Now in his 50’s, Dave was dismayed he didn’t have the same stamina or ability he had in his 20’s.  Being sedentary wasn’t an option for Dave.  Dave did what he had to do.  He spent more time warming up, didn’t play as hard, and gave his body more time to recover.  Dave was determined to stay as active as he could.

You have to formulate a strategy to deal with whatever you are facing.  You can find a solution, take mitigating steps, change your direction, or remove yourself from the situation.  Despite your dilemma, time goes by and life goes on.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2009 Bryan Golden

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