Your brain ~ more powerful than you think

Our brains are so powerful.

Recently I heard someone say something like, “I decided years ago that I would look good in every picture, and I have ever since.”

I generally hate having my picture taken ~ or rather, I don’t like seeing myself in pictures.  However, after hearing the above comment I decided to see if believing I look good in every picture taken of me would change what I saw.  This time of year ~ with the beginning of summer and family get-togethers ~ has given me ample opportunity to test it out.  This is what I’ve discovered…

It is true.

Since changing my mindset about myself in pictures I have enjoyed the multitude of photos taken at family celebrations, a women’s church activity (including video of me learning some dance steps), and a hike with my hubby.  I don’t weigh less in these pictures than when I originally heard I could believe I look good in every picture.  Nothing has changed… except for the way I think about myself in pictures.

My brain is powerful.  Your brain is powerful.

So, what would happen if you chose to think something different about your current situation with your teenage son?  Assuming you’ve done everything you can to change his current choices, to alter the path he is on, to make things be different… but nothing has changed ~ what have you got to lose by experimenting with some other thoughts about your son, something different than “This shouldn’t be happening” or “I’m such a failure as a mom”?  Is it possible that…

This is his journey and you can love him and pray for him through all the ups-and-downs.

He’s learning and we all learn by doing.

Nobody could be his Mom better than you.

You are enough.

Often our brains are on automatic pilot, and we all have our favorite go-to thoughts.  But because our minds are so powerful we *can* redirect them if our current thoughts aren’t helping us be who we really want to be in this situation.

Pick a useful thought from above (or one you’ve thought of yourself) and start practicing it several times a day.  What changes for you?  How is your day different by spending a few minutes thinking “Nobody could be his mom better than me” or “This is his journey and I can love him and pray for him through it all”?

I’d love to hear about your experience.  Comment below or email me at kelly@findpeaceinparenting.com