InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration
March 18, 2026
The Pathway to Integrated Living
— Daily reminders for a conscious, connected life —
Many people in therapy aren't just unhappy because of past hurts or present problems — they're unhappy because they can't access earlier happy moments often enough. We focus so hard on what went wrong that we forget what went right. But buried beneath the dysfunction, beneath the fighting and criticism, beneath all the things we learned to believe made us broken — there are golden moments. Times when you felt truly alive, truly yourself, truly happy. Those memories aren't just nostalgia. They're proof of your capacity for joy, waiting to be reclaimed.
The focus for today is:
What are some golden moments in your childhood when you felt particularly happy? When you find a golden memory, enjoy it.
Today's message is inspired by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, author of the book: The Enchanted Self: A Positive Therapy
Dr. Holstein shares the story of Edith, who at first could only remember the fighting and criticism from her childhood. But when encouraged to look again, she found wonderful times: delightful family picnics, fishing with her grandfather. Those moments were always there — she'd just learned not to see them. As Dr. Holstein writes: "I hope that you find in your past, whether beautiful or painful, a repertoire of talents and capabilities that are uniquely yours." Today's invitation is simple: find one golden memory from your childhood. See yourself at that age. What did your body feel like? What were you doing? What was the weather? Really let yourself enjoy that happy memory of yourself.
CONTINUE READING the complete article here:
Reclaiming Joy: The Power of Positive Memories
Author: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
A Reminder:
What are some golden moments in your childhood when you felt particularly happy? When you find a golden memory, enjoy it.
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RELATED BOOK: The Enchanted Self: A Positive Therapy
The Enchanted Self highlights the importance of reconnecting with positive experiences from your past, which can lead to greater well-being and happiness. By exploring golden moments from childhood, individuals can cultivate a more fulfilling emotional state and reclaim their unique talents and capacities.
Important: Use the book purchase link from the InnerSelf article page — not a generic Amazon or publisher link — to ensure affiliate credit and proper tracking.
For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition and Audiobook.
About the Author
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is the originator of The Enchanted Self. She has been a psychologist in private practice and is licensed in the State of New Jersey and Massachusetts since 1981. Her book The Enchanted Self: A Positive Therapy was published in 1997 by Harwood Academic Publishers. She is also the author of Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is You!
Author's website: EnchantedSelf.com
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