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Why Forgetting Is Essential for Mental Health
There seems to be this weird expectation for me to remember things at a moment’s notice. I’m not AI, yet I feel like I get asked questions where I’m supposed to spit out a fact or statistic like a calculator. I have a memory, but there isn’t an expectation to remember everything. Trying to remember everything comes to a detriment to my health. The brain is designed to forget things that aren’t of interest to me. Trying to remember everything can cause what is called neurochemical chaos. Even though I work, the work I do would probably be the last thing that stays in my mind.
The brain is limited. I don’t care to fill it with unnecessary information. If I’m asked to choose between data from a campaign and memories of my family, friends, and the loving times I’ve spent, I already know what I’m choosing. Even if I could remember everything, it’s not like it would be accurate. I spit out wrong numbers all the time. I also only remember parts of events, even if I cherish them dearly. When I recall things, I probably can’t remember specifics, but my brain allows me to imagine these things, so at least I get close enough.
I honestly believe that forgetting is much more important than remembering. Everything in this world has an end. Trying to remember something that is no longer in existence is attachment. Yes, if a loved one has passed away, I remember. I remember the good times and forget the bad. What would bad memories do for me? There is information that comes into my mind and, over time, loses value. And so, I forget. There’s nothing wrong with this.
I value efficiency, and I value the brain because it is efficient. Trying to remember everything is just as possible as doing everything. I need to understand my limits. Nothing in this world can be done without boundaries. I must work to carry this idea into other parts of my life. It’s okay to have limitations because everything created by man has limitations. I am not boundless. My sense of knowledge is not boundless. There will be things that I know and things that I don’t know. There will be things that I knew and things that I’ve forgotten. That’s okay. I don’t need to remember everything.
Questions and Responses
Why is forgetting important for mental health?
Forgetting helps prevent mental overload and allows the brain to focus on meaningful information, promoting better decision-making and emotional well-being.
Is it harmful to try to remember everything?
Yes, attempting to remember everything can lead to “neurochemical chaos,” causing stress and mental strain. The brain is designed to prioritize, not store all information.
What does the brain do with unimportant information?
The brain naturally filters out and forgets information that it deems irrelevant or lacks emotional significance, optimizing cognitive efficiency.
How does forgetting help with emotional attachment?
Forgetting helps release emotional attachment to unnecessary memories, allowing individuals to focus on positive and meaningful experiences.
Can the brain’s memory be limitless?
No, the brain has a limited capacity for information. Acknowledging this limitation helps maintain balance and prevents cognitive burnout.
Why do we remember positive memories more than negative ones?
The brain tends to focus on positive memories to foster emotional resilience and well-being, while negative memories often fade over time unless they serve a significant purpose.