I grew up hearing the phrase “Garbage in, garbage out” but Robert really spins it a little differently. With this quote we are reminded what it is we are truly protecting and what we risk losing if we don’t proceed in life with a little protective caution. Think back to when you were a child or at least to when you were younger… I can remember having bright, happy thoughts. Hope just seemed to exist within me and the hazy dankness I function in now was non-existent. I attribute a lot of this to the ‘harmless’ things I fed my mind. I was never afraid of heights until I saw someone fall from a building. I can change my mood with the music I listen to so how do the words of the songs that make me angry in the moment really impact me long term? I avoid watching the news because it creates anxiety. I know that if I’m around certain people I begin to express their opinions which can lead to me hurting people by association. Taking the time to recognize how these external factors truly impact my mind means I can develop more and more healthy boundaries and protect my greatest asset… my mind. Maybe the haze that I’ve unknowingly invited in will also fade away.

On the flip side, finding ways of adding positive influences is going to be just as imperative. Upbeat music with positive themes, books/movies/quotes and other influences that blow the haze away and bring hopeful sunshine. Feeding our minds, fueling our hope… its something we all need rather desperately.

What changes do you need to make so that your mind is fueled for the positives and protected from the dank haze in the world?

Hope in. Hope out.

Sarah Deats

Sarah Deats is the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer. Her goals are to make a connection with everyone that she can while building community, spreading hope, and sparking change. She believes that while life may not be easy, it is never lived alone.