August Column – 2026

Guard the Garden of Your Mind

Every morning we have a choice.

Before the television comes on, before we scroll through the headlines, before the worries of the day begin, we have a choice about what we will allow to enter the garden of our mind.

A beautiful garden does not grow by accident. It flourishes because someone lovingly removes the weeds, plants good seed, and patiently tends it every day. Our minds are no different.

Today’s world often feeds us fear, anger, division, and discouragement. Negative stories travel faster than hopeful ones. Yet what we repeatedly think about eventually shapes our outlook, our relationships, and even our health.

My father, Sir Jason Winters, often reminded people that hope is not something you find—it is something you choose. During the most difficult season of his life, he refused to surrender his spirit. He surrounded himself with encouragement, laughter, purpose, faith, and people who lifted him up. He believed that a positive attitude was not wishful thinking; it was an essential part of living well.

That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life.

Guard your mind as carefully as you would guard your home. Be selective about the voices you listen to, the conversations you entertain, and the thoughts you allow to take root. Plant seeds of gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, and hope. Water them daily.

No one can eliminate every hardship, but each of us can decide whether fear or faith will occupy our thoughts.

A peaceful mind produces a more joyful life.

As we move through this month together, I encourage you to spend a little less time dwelling on the world’s problems and a little more time appreciating its blessings. Smile more. Laugh often. Tell someone you love them. Read something inspiring. Encourage a friend.

The garden of your mind becomes whatever you choose to cultivate.

May you choose wisely.

— Sir Raymond Winters