In a text conversation with an acquaintance the other day, she had forgotten something I had already told her; she wrote, "I totally forgot. I'm losing it ... age 61 with CRS ... Can't Remember Shit."

I texted back, "Re: CRS - do not affirm that."

Snippeteers, I believe the more we say we can't remember stuff, the more we will not be able to remember. The Universe is listening.

At age 65, I do not want to keep affirming "I can't remember" to myself, so I am working on breaking the habit of saying it as I attempt to recall a fact, a piece of information, a name, a word, or listening to a story someone is relaying of our past time together. Instead, I've been replacing that statement with, "I'll think of it in a minute." (And often, I circle back to it and remember!)

This applies actually to any negative self-talk. (Yes, negative self-talk is a worn topic written and read here on these very pages of SNIPPETS throughout the years, remember? Say yes, lol).

The other day, a fellow pickleball player "affirmed" before we even began the game: "My serve is terrible." (The Universe is still listening.)

You know me, I don't hold back. I replied, "Don't affirm that. What if you said instead ... My serve is great!" He laughed - but he repeated it.

It is unbelievable how many people speak this way about themselves in their 50s, 60s, 70s. Some continually announce they swear they're getting dementia. Do not affirm that. Yes, even though we may drop the overused cliches: "I'm losing it" ... "I can't remember stuff," and similar, do you believe our brains and psyches hear us - and might listen? I do.

I challenge you to return to - and reread - some of your previous texts and emails. Observe if and how many times you and others write: I'm losing it ... I can't remember ... I have a bad memory ... I must have dementia ... I forgot.

Remember, The Universe is listening to our affirmations of this self-talk ... and here, we are basically suggesting and affirming that our brains are going to pot. (And some of us blame pot!) :-}

Along those same lines, a few weeks ago, I attended a Designer Purse Bingo in support of my Order of Sons & Daughters of Italy / Little Italy lodge, of which I'm a member. The ladies at the table next to us kept winning purses! Seemed as if as soon as the first person at the table won, the others latched onto that hope, that belief, that winning vibe - it was nearby, readily available, and contagious. Thus, it formed a good table vibe and The Universe heeded and paid out - in purses.

(We overheard one lady at different table say, "I feel like a loser. I need therapy.") Which feels better?

Snippeteers, listen ... I understand and realize that memory loss can be real; and certainly, we all have people we love challenged with Alzheimer's and dementia. I am not negating actual medical diagnoses. I am merely suggesting not to give "not remembering" any of your energy ... not to help it along.

Many times not remembering something might be the case of simply having too much going on that minute, being distracted, juggling too many plates, and/or having way too many details to attempt to always remember it all at spontaneous recall.

If we think about ALL that one human being must manage in one's life, in one day, is it any surprise that we cannot remember it ALL???

Wait, I should not affirm that.

It's normal to forget things occasionally as we get older - things like forgetting a name, misplacing an item, or missing an occasional appointment.

What points to a more serious problem is difficulty executing everyday tasks, such as driving, using the phone, finding your way home. Other signs include repeatedly asking the same questions, getting lost in familiar places, or having trouble following directions.

If you or someone you love think you/they are having true difficulty with memory loss, seek help, get tested, make an appointment with your health care provider. If memory loss affects your ability to do daily activities, if you notice your memory increasingly worsening, or if a family/friend is concerned about your memory loss, it's particularly important to seek help. Your health provider likely will do a physical exam and check your memory and problem-solving skills. Sometimes other tests may be needed, too.

"You are joy in my Friday morning inbox."

~ xo, Linda in Maryland



I AM THANKFUL

(submitted by snippeteer, Ron)

FOR THE WIFE or HUSBAND who says, 'It's hot dogs & beans tonight for supper' because s/he's kind enough to put food on the table - and because we can buy food.

FOR THE HUSBAND or WIFE on the sofa because s/he is home with me and not in a bar or out sleeping around.

FOR THE TEENAGER complaining about doing chores because it means s/he is home and not running the streets.

FOR THE TAXES out of my paycheck because it means I'm employed.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN UP after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends and family.

FOR THE CLOTHES which fit a big snug because it means I have enough to eat.

FOR A LAWN that needs mowing, a gutter that needs fixing, sheets that need changing, and bills that are due, because it means I have a home and a bed to sleep in.

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING we hear about the government because it means we have freedom of speech.

FOR THE LAST SPOT at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and have been blessed with a mode of transportation.

FOR MY LARGE UTILITIES BILL because it means I am warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

FOR THE LADY behind me in church singing off-key because it means I can hear.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY & IRONING because it means I have enough clothes to wear. 

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES at the end of the day because it means I am capable of working and playing hard.

FOR THE ALARM that sounds off in the morning to wake me because it means I am alive.

FOR TOO MANY E-MAILS and texts because it means I have friends and family who are thinking of me.



BUT DID YOU

CONGRATULATE YOURSELF

ON THE PROGRESS

THAT NO ONE

KNOWS ABOUT?

HONOR

YOURSELF